Introducing YouthConnect

YouthConnect is an exciting new programme that will be rolled out in second-level schools nationwide during Autumn 2011. YouthConnect is a joint-initiative of the Irish Second Level Students’ Union (ISSU) and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU). The two organisations have come together combining expertise and resources to work on issues of mutual concern and interest.

YouthConnect aims to actively engage second-level students in their school enviornment through a series of school visits and activities. It will promote activism and solidarity in schools and workplaces among students and young workers. It will also provide training and support in the areas of active-citizenship, awareness of rights, student empowerment, student partipication and student council development and training.

This is a very exciting project for second-level schools and centres of education around Ireland. It will equip second-level students with knowledge that will empower them in the school and workplace environment.

Further information is available at www.youth-connect.ie or email fiona.dunne@ictu.ie

Bodywhys launch "YouthConnect"

Yesterday (Tuesday) marked the launch of a new online support group for people under 18 who are affected by eating disorders. Bodywhys; The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland have added YouthConnect to their wide range of services. YouthConnect is a support service that will allow young people to discuss how they are feeling over the internet; all these meetings will be facilitated by two of the Bodywhys team. The meetings will take place on Sundays, and young people can access the service from wherever they may be, the meetings are completely confidential so you can talk about how you are felling without anyone knowing who you are.  ISSU encourages students to avail of this valuable service.This week is eating disorders awareness week; about 200,000 people in Ireland have eating disorders, Bodywhys over the past 15 years has helped many cope and work though eating disorders.  YouthConnect is not the only service run by Bodywhys so if you would rather receive information and help in another form there are many different options; check out Bodywhys.ie for further information. The most important thing to remember is that with help and support people can and do get through eating disorders.If you have questions, don’t know where to turn or just need to talk to someone. Call 1890 200 444; Email alex@bodywhys.ie; Go to www.bodywhys.ie. Bodywhys are currently setting up a youth panel so that young people can let them know what types of services they would like to see - following is the link to the youth panel http://www.bodywhys.ie/getInvolved/youth-panel/.Aoife Price, ISSU Welfare and Equality Officer was delighted to attend the launch of YouthConnect. The ISSU team would like to congratulate Bodywhys and hope that YouthConnect will be a great success.