In 2025, seven groups of young people, involving almost 100 participants across Louth and Meath, were supported to write, perform and produce seven short films. Each film reflects young people’s lived experiences and perspectives on themes such as mental health, vaping, alcohol use, drugs, sexting, social media and related community challenges including feuding. The process was youth led and supported by professional facilitation, ensuring authenticity, creativity and meaningful participation throughout.
A young people’s peer led workshop project has been developed alongside each short film. The workshops use the films and their stories as catalysts for meaningful discussion, creating safe and engaging spaces where young people can explore issues that directly affect their lives. Through structured peer led facilitation, participants watch each film first to experience the story and then to reflect more deeply on its themes in relation to their own experiences.
Young people guide the conversations through a series of questions and activities, encouraging open dialogue within peer groups and supporting one another to share perspectives in a supportive environment. By combining creative youth made media with facilitated reflection, the project aims to strengthen peer voice, build critical thinking skills, and empower young people to lead conversations on issues that matter most to them.
The project is funded by Healthy Ireland through the Children and Young People’s Services Committees in Louth and Meath and by the North Eastern Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force.
The project was designed and coordinated by the Office of Youth Work in LMETB. The project launch and premiere screening of seven short films will take place at Droichead Arts Centre on Wednesday, February 25th at 6.30pm.
