It’s always a joy to visit Drogheda’s Southside Project such is the air of creative positivity in the way the youth workers rom Youth Work Ireland Louth engage young people in life-affirming projects that they mightn’t otherwise have the opportunity to benefit from.
The last time Drogheda Life visited the project’s HQ in Rowan Heights was five months ago in October 2021 when some of the girls were planting 400 daffodil bulbs for Daffodil Day 2022 which is taking place this Friday, March 25.
The hundreds of daffodils they planted then as part of the “Daffodil Challenge” are now a great addition to the area and no doubt the neighbours will miss them when they are picked in the next day or two to be sold from a stall at the Centra Shop at Rathmullen on Daffodil Day to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.
The bulbs will remain in the planters however and this time next year there will be another crop of beautiful daffodils. In the meantime perhaps different varieties of flowers can be planted to provide continuing pleasure for the neighbourhood.
“The Daffodil Challenge” first came about in 2019 when Independent Senator Sharon Keogan funded packs of daffodils for youth groups and schools to plant daffodils to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.
Councillor Paddy McQuillan loved the idea and persuaded Senator Keogan to include the Drogheda Youth Work Ireland Louth project, which he has supported for many years, in the scheme.
Young Carers Action Day
Meanwhile, busy as ever, Youth Work Ireland Louth took part in the Young Carers Action Day last Wednesday March 16 which was organised by Family Carers Ireland.
The day kicked off with a young carer’s forum on zoom during which young carers from across Ireland were given a platform with political leaders to highlight current issues.
There was also a media campaign where young carers could send in a selfie with the hashtag #ICareEveryday to be in with a chance of winning a €250 one for all voucher.
In the afternoon the young carers from Youth Work Ireland Louth promoted their group by handing out keyrings and information about their group to the pedestrians on West Street in Drogheda. The day ended with a table quiz online
Young carers are children and young people under the age of 25 years of age whose lives are affected in some way because they provide care, assistance or support to a family member or friend due to disability, chronic illness, mental health difficulties or problems with drugs or alcohol misuse.
A young carer may carry out domestic tasks or may provide general, intimate or emotional care. These needs may arise on a regular or on an occasional basis.
The first Young Carers group started in Drogheda in December 2021 with funding from the Louth Children And Young People’s Services Committee. They meet on Tuesday evenings at 6.45pm in the Southside Project, Rowan Heights Community Building Marley’s Lane.
For more information contact Monica 086 0455 739 or email monica@lyf.ie
