Louth County Council is marking Youth Work Ireland Week, which runs from April 11 to 18, by highlighting the role youth work plays in supporting young people across the county.
Through initiatives such as Healthy Louth, the Council works with youth services and community organisations to deliver programmes that focus on mental health, physical activity and social connection.
Healthy Louth is the local delivery of the national Healthy Ireland programme. It supports community based projects aimed at improving wellbeing, reducing health inequalities and encouraging healthier lifestyles for people of all ages in County Louth.
Youth workers play a key role in many of these programmes, helping to engage young people in informal settings and ensuring supports are accessible and inclusive. This approach encourages participation, builds confidence and supports positive relationships, while also creating safe spaces for young people to access wellbeing supports.
The programme also works closely with groups such as Louth Comhairle na nÓg, giving young people a voice in shaping local priorities and contributing to community decision making.
In recent years, a number of initiatives have been supported across the county, bringing together sport, mental health supports and community engagement. These include the Dear Future Me mental health project, delivered in partnership with Dundalk Youth Centre and The Magnet Centre in Newry, as well as projects led by Drogheda United such as the Not Around Us campaign, the Homeless Street League and the Claret and Blue Learning Together booklet.
Looking ahead, Healthy Louth is supporting the Outdoor Adventure Skills and Youth Wellbeing Programme 2026, delivered by Dundalk Youth Centre. Building on the success of last year’s programme, it will offer more opportunities for young people to take part in outdoor activities while developing skills in areas such as kayaking and archery.
The programme will also include a youth led mental health element, with participants helping to create digital wellbeing resources based on their own experiences.
Through its network of partners, Louth County Council continues to support a coordinated approach to youth wellbeing, focusing on prevention and early intervention through community based services.
Rachel Finegan, Healthy Louth Coordinator with Louth County Council, said: “Healthy Louth champions programmes that give young people a real voice – creating trusted, valued spaces where they can express their needs and shape the supports around them. Through this commitment, Louth County Council promotes positive mental health, builds resilience, and strengthens longterm wellbeing in meaningful and sustainable ways.”
For more information on Healthy Louth, visit www.louthcoco.ie
