Comhairle na nÓg
Comhairle Na nÓg are child and youth councils in the 31 local authorities of the country, which give children and young people the opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies. In light of the fact that Comhairle Na nÓg is for young people under the age of 18 and who therefore have no other voting mechanism to have their voice heard, Comhairle Na nÓg is designed to enable young people to have a voice on the services, policies and issues that affect them in their local area. Carlow Comhairle meets once a week currently via Zoom to work on various issues on behalf of all the young people in Carlow.
Comhairle were working on Youth Mental Health in 2019. There were 27 members and met monthly on Saturdays. We built on the “How’s Your Head” brochure we created in 2018 and designed a Youth Mental Health Pack which kept the same “How’s Your Head” brand. The pack included an eye mask, their mental health brochure, a pencil case, earplugs, a stress ball and an aromatherapy stick. These packs were most recently distributed to young people in Residential Care through Tusla, which were greatly appreciated in this uncertain time. The members have also given workshops on the “How’s Your Head” brochure and how to use them. Please click on the link for a copy of the brochure Youth Mental Health Brochure A3
As part of Comhairle we get so many opportunities to go to other events and outings.
- We enjoyed a team-building weekend away in Carlingford Adventure Centre.
- Six members attended the D for the Dail Na nÓg, which was a historic occasion for the 100th Anniversary.
- The members presented their work for to our local CYPSC.
- We also held our AGM in the Seven Oaks Hotel where we had 68 young people attend from around the County and voted to work on Climate Action and Youth Mental Health for 2020.
“My experience in Comhairle has been amazing, fun and also it has been a great learning experience. I learned about the importance of young people’s voices about local issues and that we can make a change, about politicians and how politics work. What I got from Comhairle is confidence and many memories, going in to Comhairle I did not really know anyone and since I have met many people which helped me with speaking to strangers/public speaking. A lot of my good memories are associated with Comhairle and I’m really happy and grateful to be part of it.” Dominika Frankowska
“I don’t even know where to start when talking about all the amazing things I’ve experienced while being in Carlow Comhairle Na nÓg. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I joined, but I am so glad I did. Over the years, I have gotten so many different opportunities to get involved in my community as a voice for the young people of Carlow, something that Comhairle gave me a passion for. I also got so much valuable experience working on a committee during my two terms as Secretary, acting as Chairperson and being appointed National Executive. From the countless consultations, networking events and so much more I cannot even put it into words how Comhairle has changed my life. I really do hope more people get involved and enjoy everything that Comhairle has to offer, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.“ Rachel Diyaolu
“Honestly, I originally joined Comhairle so I’d have something good to put on my CV. However, I have had such a great experience being a member of Comhairle Na nÓg. I have made new friends as well as improving my social skills, which were virtually non-existent at the time. It helped improve my speaking skills, and led to me partaking in other social activities, such as volunteering at summer camps. I cannot recommend joining your local Comhairle enough. It is great fun, you make new friends, you learn new friends, and best of all, you get free food. What’s not to love!” Pauric Cush
“After having joined Comhairle Na nÓg and spent over a year with the group, I can definitely say I’ve made many great friends, I’ve enjoyed the experience of working with these friends on a project and seeing it successfully work. But I’ve also enjoyed the experiences I’ve had along the way, going to different events, the over-night trip, along with completely destroying those friendships over Uno, in the end, I don’t regret having joined Comhairle and can’t wait to see what happens in the future!” Raian Hossain
“Comhairle Na nÓg made me and my opinions feel valuable, because we are. I am part of a group of fantastic people who work to bring about change and better our lives. People who are supportive and encouraging in my development as a person through moving out of my comfort zone. It’s a great cause and feels so too, I have no regrets.” Peter Jedro
“Comhairle gives you the opportunity to meet people across the country, give your opinion, eat pizza and be thanked for your contribution. It allows you to represent your community and carry out the change your peers have asked for.” Katie O Sullivan
“By joining Comhairle I got to experience so many new things from trips away with the new friends I’ve made to national events where I got to speak in front of hundreds of people. Comhairle has shown me new interests and given me so many opportunities” Katie Maher
For more information, call Donal on 086 7778841.
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