Young people who took part in a special project to help them overcome their personal challenges and build vital skills for employment have been praised at a special event in Lurgan.

Drumgor Detached Youth Project spearheaded the two year project which delivered a series of good relations activities, personal development sessions and employment workshops to offer participants positive pathways and opportunities.

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Back row L to R -Cian Seeley, Evo Larkin, Shea Lewsley, Eoin Reavey, Liam Black, Dara Breen, Charlie Avery, Ordhran Duffy, Sarene Finn, PYDP Youth Officer Stephen Baxter, and PYDP Youth Support Worker Grace Luney.

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It was supported by the International Fund for Ireland’s (IFI) Personal Youth Development Programme (PYDP), which provides tailored support to at-risk young people.

Young people involved with PYDP projects often face significant personal challenges, including poor mental health, low educational attainment, addiction issues, homelessness and some are more vulnerable to criminal activity and paramilitary recruitment.

Throughout the programme, participants completed valuable training opportunities, including qualifications in Food Safety, Computing, and Leadership. Essential life skills, employability workshops, and direct employer engagement with major brands like Coca-Cola and Tayto provided participants with insight into the world of work.

L to R Evo Larkin, Sorcha O’Hanlon (Senior Youth Worker, DDYWP), Liam Black, Anne Carr (IFI Board Member), Lord Mayor Cllr Mary O’Dowd, Dara Breen, and Barry McCrory (Chairperson, DDYWP)

In addition to employment support, they participated in cross-community activities exploring shared history and culture. Educational and cultural visits included trips to Crumlin Road Gaol, Titanic Belfast, and the Ulster American Folk Park, alongside community events during the Twelfth celebrations.

These experiences helped build mutual understanding, challenge stereotypes, and forge lasting friendships across communities.

Guests at the celebration in the Ashburn Hotel, Lurgan included Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Cllr Mary O’Dowd.

She said: "Programmes like the Personal Youth Development programme are so important because they give young people the chance to develop their confidence, build new skills, take on leadership opportunities and make a positive contribution to their communities.”

IFI Board Member Ann Carr said: “I’d like to congratulate all of the young people who have overcome personal challenges to take control of their lives. You have been on an incredible journey, have achieved so much, and are now contributing positively to your local community.

“The IFI is committed to giving young people alternative pathways, a voice, and the confidence to unlock their talent and potential. Our programmes will continue to provide support where it’s needed the most, empowering everyone to play a role in a more shared future.”

Barry McCrory, Chairperson of DDYWP, on behalf of the Management Committee: “We are incredibly proud of everything the young people have achieved through this programme.

"Despite the challenges many have faced, we have seen them grow in confidence, develop new skills and take positive steps towards their future,” he said.

“At DDYWP, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are extremely grateful to the International Fund for Ireland for its continued investment and support, which enables us to provide opportunities that make a real and lasting difference in the lives of young people and our wider community,” said Mr McCrory.

One participant shared their experience adding: “This programme has created so many opportunities for me. It has given me so much confidence and has really helped steer me in a positive direction,” he said.