Call for Volunteers in South Tipperary Clubs by Cllr Máirín McGrath in Cahir
Cllr Máirín McGrath has supported the efforts of Waterford & South Tipperary Community Youth Service in expanding their youth clubs across the Cahir area and is asking members of the public to assist in a voluntary capacity with the clubs.
Waterford & South Tipperary Community Youth Service are currently looking for people to sign up as volunteers to help establish new youth clubs in Newcastle, Clogheen and Ardfinnan.
This will also include a garda vetting and training process. This is in addition to the Teen Cave Youth Club that has recently started in Cahir town.
“I recently met with Enda Moran, Club Development Officer from South Tipperary Waterford Community Youth Service to discuss plans about expanding youth clubs and services across the locality. Youth clubs are a brilliant outlet for teenagers to meet up and have fun in a safe and controlled environment, however, they cannot operate without the help of willing volunteers and that is the current challenge,” said Cllr McGrath. While many teenagers enjoy engaging in sports or music, facilities and opportunities for other teenagers with different interests have fallen short in many instances, especially in rural areas according to the 24-year-old councillor.
TARGET GROUP
The target age group for the youth clubs are 12-16 years and these are very formative years in a young person’s development, especially as this cohort have missed out on many social opportunities as a result of Covid-19. The Independent councillor for the Cahir area noted that she was on the receiving end of many volunteer hours in her Foróige Youth Club so it is only right that now that she is in a position to do so, she can give back and support young people through these type of clubs.
“Youth work is something I have always been interested in. As a teenager I benefited greatly from my involvement with our Foróige Club in Newcastle and it offered so many invaluable opportunities over the years which continue to stand to me today, unfortunately the club ceased to exist due to reduced volunteer numbers, however, it is exciting to see renewed plans for new clubs in Newcastle, Clogheen, Ardfinnan and further beyond in coming months and I look forward to getting involved myself as a volunteer,” she said.
“I have been engaging with the newly established Teen Cave youth club in Cahir town and that is going from strength to strength. Volunteer-led services like these are hugely rewarding and enjoyable for both the young people and the volunteers. While the initial plans are in place, the clubs can’t proceed until a minimum of three willing volunteers come forward for each club so I would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch,” added Cllr McGrath.
