Nearly 5,000 signatories nationwide call for €15 million investment in youth work in Budget 2025
Youth population to grow to over 1 million young people by 2025
Almost 5,000 people across Ireland have signed a postcard campaign calling on the government to significantly increase investment in youth work in the upcoming Budget 2025. The initiative, led by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), urges TDs to allocate an additional €15 million to support youth services, which are seen as critical to addressing the needs of Ireland’s growing youth population.
A total of 4,891 adults from 39 constituencies signed the 156 postcards, which have now been delivered to their local TDs. The campaign calls for increased funding for both universal and targeted youth work services, as well as capital investment in youth centres and enhanced Youth Information Services.
Over 1 million young people by 2025
The postcards appeal to TDs to take immediate action to help secure funding that will meet the needs of Ireland’s youth. By 2025, CSO figures indicate there will be over 1 million young people under the age of 25, but the NYCI warns that without adequate investment, youth services will struggle to meet increasing demand.
Critical role of youth work
According to the NYCI, youth work is essential in supporting young people by offering a wide range of services such as youth worker support, peer support, youth club activities, and counselling. These services are crucial for young individuals facing challenges like poverty, mental health issues, educational engagement difficulties, and lack of access to safe spaces and support services. Moreover, youth work addresses issues of integration, discrimination, and bullying.
Kathryn Walsh, NYCI Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: “Youth work is not an ‘optional extra’ or a sticking plaster when other services can’t meet young people’s needs; it is a crucial preventive tool for young people at risk of social and educational exclusion, harm and exploitation. So, the role of youth work as a place of safety, belonging and growth for young people, is a key protective factor for all young people and must be prioritised and resourced.”
Call for substantial investment
The NYCI and the signatories of the postcard sent to TDs are a calling for the government to recognise and act on the pressing needs of young people in Ireland. “By increasing investment in youth work services by €15 million, we can provide the support necessary to help young people navigate these challenging times and foster stronger, more cohesive communities,” concluded Ms Walsh.
The postcard reads:
“Dear Deputy,
We’re your constituents, and we’ve signed this postcard to ask you to take a stand for young people in this constituency and beyond. Ireland’s youth population is growing, and by 2025, over 1 million young people will need meaningful support. Please take whatever action you can to ensure that Budget 2025 includes an additional €15 million investment in youth work. Your representation could make all the difference.”
Sincerely,
Your constituents
[Names of signatories]