As part of the Global Initiative on Non-Violence the Youth Centre will be running a week of activities for junior and senior members. The aim of the initiative is to help our young people better understand the impacts of violence on their lives and how to prevent them from being sucked into violent extremism and exploitation. We will deliver a week of activities and events across all age groups. Keep watching for more information.
Summer Scheme 2021
Summer 2021 brought a set of particular challenges in our attempts to meet the needs of the young people of Lower Falls. We had the challenges of Covid 19, the ongoing attempts to keep young people from building a bonfire and the increasing mental health needs of our young people. We had a great year catering for over 160 young people locally and contributed with our colleagues across West Belfast to both Feile events and Feet on the Street Initiatives on 11/12th July and 7/8th August. Our contribution in supporting young peoples progress towards the EA outcomes has ensured effective use of the resources allocated by EA but most importantly we kept young people safe and free from coercion and exploitation by others and they secures new skills, knowledge and improved their attitudes to community and civic responsibility.
Junior (9-13 yrs) Summer scheme 2021
Here at St. Peters its not just about giving them somewhere to go and something to do, its must have educational benefits also. This summer we provided a four week summer programme in July for the 9-13 yr olds. We provided a weekly theme that was related to their developmental needs and offered aesthetic, social and developmental programmes that improved life skills, communication, health and focused on the importance of positive relationships.
Educational Restart 2021 *Take 5
As we prepared to resume youth services it was imperative that we responded to the new and emerging needs of our young people in the aftermath of the covid restrictions. Many of our young people struggled with the isolation and many articulated that their mental health had been impacted. Together with our colleague in West Belfast we agreed to focus our work on positive mental health for the summer. From we reopened and began to engage young people again we have been able to provide complementary therapies, health days and personal mentoring and support for young people aged 13+ yrs. The feedback has been very positive and the young people have been fully engaged.
Staff Completed Accredited QPR Training
All staff and volunteers undertook QPR Training so that they are prepared for interventions with young people struggling with their mental health.
Circle of Courage Affiliated Centre
St. Peters Immaculata YC is now a branded Circle of Courage project.
