31 youth councils across the country
Leitrim Comhairle na nÓg
- Coordinator name: Emma McAleenan
- Contact email: emma.leitrimcomhairle@gmail.com
- Address:
C/O Susan Barry
Community Development,
Leitrim County Council,
Carrick-on-Shannon,
Co. Leitrim - Tel: Emma: 085 8041020
- National Executive representative: Niamh Ryan
- Twitter: @leitrimcnn
- Facebook: Comhairle Na NÓg Leitrim
- Instagram: @comhairleleitrim
About us
Current Topics
Leitrim Comhairle na nÓg are exploring the following idea in 2021: an outdoor activity space for teenagers feasibility study and identification of funding options. They felt it was important to get the views of young people aged between 12-18 years of age and have circulated this survey throughout the county.
They will also be working on Climate Change as their second topic
2020
Leitrim Comhairle na nÓg worked on the following topics in 2020:
- Use Your Brain Not your Fist – they are continuing to promote their very successful anti-social behaviour campaign
- Tolerance and Inclusion
2019
Leitrim Comhairle have been focusing on the topic of Education in 2019. They worked on an event called “pathways to future” to promote alternatives to 3rd level education including apprenticeships and PLC courses.
2018
Leitrim County Council in conjunction with Leitrim Comhairle has won the National Impact Award with their ‘Use Your Brain Not Your Fist’ campaign at the award ceremony which took place in Croke Park on Saturday 9th February 2019 . This category recognises a project which has had a positive effect upon the nation as a whole, enhancing the environment, cultural or social activities, transport links or the economic stability or growth of the local and national communities who use it. This is an initiative by young people for young people, reflecting the dire consequences of momentary senseless madness, more often than not as a result of alcohol and or substance abuse. The content is powerful and thought-provoking and has been inspired and motivated by the death of Andrew Dolan from Carrick on Shannon and the catastrophic injuries suffered by Shane Grogan from Tuam, following senseless and unprovoked attacks.
Leitrim Comhairle win Pride of Place Awards for their Use Your Brain, not your Fist campaign at the annual IPB Pride of Place awards held in Cork City Hall on Saturday November 17. You can read the media coverage here: http://www.leitrimcoco.ie/eng/News/Leitrim-Group-Wins-Pride-of-Place-Award.html
Current topic
Leitrim Comhairle’s key topic for 2017-18 is a campaign against antisocial behaviour and violence: ‘Use your brain, not your fist’. This is a campaign to make teenagers more aware of violence in social settings and how to control their emotions. The campaign launch took place in the Bush Hotel, Carrick on Shannon on 27th April 2018 which featured the first screening of an educational video highlighting the effects a fight can have on both the victim and the perpetrator. #Useyourbrainnotyourfists
Comhairle coordinator Fiona Taylor stated ‘This is an initiative by young people for young people, reflecting the dire consequences of momentary senseless madness, more often than not as a result of alcohol and or substance abuse. The content is powerful and thought-provoking and has been inspired and motivated by the death of Andrew Dolan from Carrick and the catastrophic injuries suffered by Shane Grogan from Tuam, following senseless and unprovoked attacks.’
Andrew’s mother, Rosie Dolan, and Shane and his parents, Joe and Joan Grogan, feature in the video and share their heartbreaking experiences following their sons’ attacks. Other contributors to the film include former footballer and League of Ireland legend, Joseph Ndo as well as Garda Noel Lee and Sgt. Kelvin Courtney. The film was facilitated by Sinéad Dolan of Loch Bó Films, who worked with the Comhairle na nÓg committee members who created the content, storyboards, operated camera and audio equipment and conducted interviews with the participants.
The video was launched by Rosie Dolan & Joe Grogan and will be promoted nationally in all second level schools, as well as through sporting organisations and youth associations throughout Ireland. The program is being supported by Leitrim County Council, North Connaught Youth Service, North West Drug and Alcohol Task Force and Creative Ireland.
Work already completed
Leitrim Comhairle focused on the topic of homelessness in 2016. We intend to launch the results of our survey on youth attitudes to homelessness and will design a schools programme on homelessness and awareness for young people.
Leitrim Comhairle na nÓg also took part in #5NationsYouth Participation Weekend in Belfast with young people from the British Youth Parliament, Scottish Youth Parliament, Northern Ireland Youth Forum and Welsh Youth Parliament.
We carried out a survey on “Youth Perceptions on the Homeless” in schools in Leitrim. We worked with St Vincent De Paul and The North West Simon Community on this project.
The Comhairle are also carrying out a Feasibility study in one town in Leitrim. This town was highlighted at our AGM as having very few facilities for youth. In addition, we have completed our PR and Committee Skills Training. We are also looking at the introduction of ISIC cards for schools in Leitrim area.
Leitrim Comhairle na nÓg has been working on three key themes and actions since 2013:
– Mental Health
– Studying & Time Management
– Transition to Secondary Level School
In 2014, we held two exchange visits to tour Northern Ireland partners from Carrickfergus Youth Forum. In May we were involved in the organisation of a joint North-South Youth Mental Health Conference – the Comhairle organised the day’s event which included young people from both sides of the border.
Press Release Final Leitrim Observer 30 05 14 Cna nOg
We also continued the work carried out in 2012-13 through ‘Life 101 Part 2 – dealing with the transition from Primary to Secondary school. This included life style & study tips, positive mental health and tips for surviving secondary school.The Comhairle members developed and delivered a workshop for 1st year students covering bullying, safe socialising, positive mental health (how to de-stress), life coping skills and body image.
In 2012-13, Leitrim Comhairle na nÓg worked on ‘Life 101’ – the development of a practical coping skills programme aimed at 6th class students in national schools and 1st year students in secondary schools to help with the transition into secondary school life. Packs were produced and delivered to local schools. We carried out research among post-primary students to identify gaps in the current Social, Personal and Health Education Programme (SPHE).
In the past we have instigated and developed a roadshow on mental health, which toured the secondary schools in the county informing young people of support services and youth services that exist in the area. We also completed work on mapping youth groups and facilities in the county, having carried out extensive research with young people in the area.
