Balbriggan Youth Wellbeing Working Group

A working group made up of agencies with a remit to support young people was established in late 2008 seeking to develop and enchance services to promote positive mental health amongst young people and their communities. 

In 2009 a research report was commissioned to document and highlight the needs of young people in the Balbriggan ares and, in particular to identify the specific need for additional supports and services in the area.  On Friday 8 October 2010, the research report was launched outlining key priority areas and recommendations. 

The final report documents key findings from young people, parents and service providers and points to a series of priorities and recommendations for action.  These actions are located where young people live, learn, socialise, interact and engage.

Bullying and relationship problems as well as a lack of services, facilities and activities were highlighted as primary concerns for young people.  Young people identified the need for a drop-in centre, counselling service as well as social activities and associated infrastructire as key gaps in service provision in the Balbriggan area. 

A wide range of recommendations for action include support for schools in developing additional strategies to promote positive mental health, communuity wide mental health promotion and education, expansion of youth services and recreational facilities and the provision of a Comprehensive Youth Health Cafe Model and Teen Counselling Service.  Additionally, the report highlighted the need to extend the provision of existing services and address the issue of waiting lists for specialised services.

The working group are committed to continuing to work alongside young people to implement the priorities and recommendations of the Report and recognise the need for commitment from key decision makers in the statutory sector to ensure services are provided and that young people's voices are heard in a real and meaningful way.  

For a copy of the Research Report: http://www.fingalleaderpartnership.ie/images/stories/fingalforms/youth%20research%20report%20oct%2010.pdf

For a copy of 'Young People and Mental Health:' A Review of Relevant Literature and Key Irish Research: http://www.fingalleaderpartnership.ie/images/stories/fingalforms/final.pdf

Swords Mental Health Learning Network

Building on the progress of the Balbriggan Young People’s Mental Health group Fingal LEADER Partnership have been asked by service providers in Swords to support them to participate in a Headstrong Learning Network. Participation in this network will provide training, support and guidance in developing a mental health programme for young people in Swords and surrounding areas. While FLP have led the Balbriggan action and progress has been positive, participation in the Headstrong Learning Network as proposed for the Swords area will benefit this group also with further progression and links with the Headstrong national programme. Participation in the Learning Network involves 6 x 2 days training programme alongside developing the action in the local area.

 For more information contact Linda on 01 8020484 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it