Gold Status awarded to Rush Youthreach

Congratulations to Rush Youthreach Education Centre who successfully maintained and has been awarded their Gold Status as a Healthy Quality Mark Organisation on Thursday November 10^th, the same day they celebrated their 25^th birthday.

Based in North County Dublin, Rush Youthreach provides education and training to early school leavers aged 16-20.

Speaking with Deidre Kinsella, Health promoter, Deidre outline how the Health Quality Mark has benefited the students in Rush.

“They feel valued and they have a voice and input into some of the decisions within the centre.”

One of the elements of achieving their Health Quality Mark was the setting up a student council, which according to Deidre has greatly benefited their students.

“The setting up of the student council has been a powerful tool and decision making process.The students are learning about how decisions are made and communicated and it provides them with a space to air their concerns and receive information about upcoming events.

The students get an opportunity to feedback to staff on their experiences within the centre and this has led to new initiatives such as the reintroduction of Life skills and Baking skills.”

Speaking at the event, Louise Monaghan Consultant Trainer with the National Youth Council of Ireland said,

“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all at Rush. This service is managed and staffed by people who are committed to the highest quality standards in health promotion and to the wellbeing of all who use the youth service,”

When asked, if Rush had any advice for other Youth organisation striving for a Health Quality Mark, Deirdre provided her wisdom

“Use photographic evidence as much as possible.

Have Health Promotion as a regular item on the staff meeting

Keep putting away evidence as you go along.

Document, document, document.”