A Drogheda youth development programme is marking the impact it has made over the past nine years as it prepares to come to an end later this year.
Footsteps, based in Moneymore and working with 16 to 24-year-olds, has supported young people into education, training and employment while helping them build confidence, resilience and independence.
The programme’s current funding comes to an end in December 2026.
Ahead of that, the team behind Footsteps wanted to create something that would remain after the programme finishes and reflect the experiences of the young people who took part.
Darren Finnegan from Write.Type worked with participants to creatively capture what Footsteps meant to them, focusing on their personal journeys, the challenges they faced and the progress they made.
Over the years, Footsteps has supported young people to complete the Leadership for Life programme through the University of Galway, move into employment and access further education and training opportunities.
The programme has also helped participants develop new skills, build positive relationships and take practical steps towards their future.
Project Coordinator Susan Breen said seeing the programme come to an end after nine years was emotional.
“It is incredibly emotional to see Footsteps coming to an end after 9 years,” she said.
“We have witnessed some really powerful personal journeys. We have seen young people arrive with very little confidence and leave believing in themselves.”
She said the team was proud of what the programme had achieved, but particularly of the young people who had taken part.
“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved and, most importantly, proud of every young person who took that journey with us.”
Susan said there was also concern about the gap that would remain once Footsteps finishes, particularly for people aged between 16 and 24.
“This is an age group that can often fall between existing youth, education, employment and family support services,” she said.
The team plans to continue seeking sustainable funding and other opportunities to support young people in the area.
“We will continue to look for sustainable funding and opportunities to ensure that the young people we have supported can continue to access the support, development and opportunities they deserve.”
