EDGE YDP new creative addition to their centre
The E.D.G.E. YDP was successful in receiving funding from Tipperary ETB under the Youth Arts Grant. We worked with 5 participants from our younger boys group aged 13-14 years. Our main aim with this project was to increase the young people’s sense of ownership and connection to the project by exploring what E.D.G.E. means to them and the reasons they continue to engage.
One of the most exciting points to make about this project is the fact that we were given the freedom to pick our own artist. We chose Caoimhe O’Sullivan as our artist to work with, Caoimhe is a past participant of E.D.G.E. who engaged for several years and disengaged in 2019 as she went onto third level education – her degree at Limerick School of Art and Design. We knew that she would be the perfect fit both to work with the young people and in understanding the outcomes we were hoping to achieve on the completion of this piece.
Also, for the young people to see Caoimhe as a positive pro social role model for them. She was given the opportunity and experience to showcase her talent, knowledge and build relationships with the young people of E.D.G.E. today in a positive manner. Demonstrating that with hard work and dedication that they too can achieve their goals and ambitions.
The project was completed over several weeks – outside of regular Developmental Group work providing additional contact time with the young people. We began by exploring “what they love about E.D.G.E.”, “what is important to them about their engagement” and “what they would like others to know about E.D.G.E.”.
This was a wonderful opportunity to hear amazing insights into what is significant for them as a group and individuals. They then researched images to represent these ideas of what E.D.G.E. means to them.
The Heart being held by two hands represents the table and its position in the games room as being the heart of E.D.G.E. and how safe the young people feel here and always feeling supported by the hands of the staff and volunteers.
The Pink Plug – the connections the young people make with peers, staff and volunteers.
The Elephant – that we talk about the difficult/ hard topics, exploring the “elephant in the room” they never feel embarrassed to ask questions or to speak openly.
Safe Place Signpost – allowing new young people know that this is a safe space to be yourself.
Carrick Knot – their connection to Carrick on Suir Community and its Volunteers. The knot symbolizes strength and connection.
Green Ribbon – Mental Health Awareness.
Friends Hand in Hand – the friends for life they make here.
4 Hands Interlocked – the different ethnicities who engage. Everyone is welcome, connected, feeling supported and working together.
Jigsaw – putting all the pieces together, things just feel like they “fit” when in E.D.G.E..
“i” – for the information and programmes the young people participant in.
Blue/Purple Ribbon – Suicide Awareness and Prevention, some of the young people have lost family members to suicide and felt within E.D.G.E. we never forget that, talking about them and keeping their members alive. This was important to them.
Light Bulb – the great ideas, goals or ambitions they feel they are encouraged to work towards with the support of staff, volunteers and peers.
Cards, Uno, Pool Balls, Football, Music, PlayStation, Hot Chocolate, Pizza some of their favourite things in the centre.
This project has helped develop positive relationships, built young people’s sense of belonging and ownership to the centre, increased engagement and helped staff to identify the needs of the young people and what they consider essential and necessary to continue to experience meaningful participation.
The project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
