“Before the pandemic, I was involved in green schools, student council, sports teams and the school choirs. But I still felt isolated, like an outsider, that I wasn’t a real part of my school community.

So my friend encouraged me to go with her to the youth club. There, I soon met other young people, and we really supported each other through the Covid-19 lockdowns. We kept in touch through WhatsApp and voice calls. Although we were physically isolated from one another, I started to feel less isolated than ever.

Youth work was so much more inclusive, open and accessible than school ever was. In the youth club, I felt I could say what I wanted. Schools are more focused on formal education, with grades and exams dominating. That has its place, but the non-formal learning that happens in youth clubs is equally as important.

Youth work creates spaces where the focus is on the young person, helping them grow into the person they want to be. It’s not about the grades that you get at the end of the semester, but who you want to BE at the end of the semester”

– Aisling, 21, on how youth work made her feel less isolated

We’re sending a giant postcard to every TD in Ireland, calling on them to support young people in Budget25. Will you add your name to the postcards for your constituency now, and show TDs that this issue matters to you?