The newly expanded HAY Foróige Digital Youth Hub in Summerhill (Dublin’s north east inner city) has been launched, with increased staff levels and lots of extra services and programmes for young people!
Junior minister at the Department of Justice, James Browne, attended the launch yesterday and said the expansion of the local wraparound service is welcome to the area.
The new hub for Summerhill has been developed through funding provided by the Department of Justice and the NEIC (North East Inner City initiative). The hub will also host multimedia and technology programmes for local young people, to equip them with valuable digital skills.
The aim of the Helping Agatha Youth (HAY) scheme is to give a space to young people who are at risk of, or have come to the attention of, the justice system or are experiencing settling difficulties at school, a place to grow their talents and personalities.
Youth Diversion Projects are community-based and supported youth development projects which seek to divert young people from becoming involved, or further involved, in anti-social or criminal behaviour. The projects facilitate personal development and promote civic responsibility.
Speaking at the opening of the new premises, chairperson of Foróige Barbara Daly said that “with such state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship at the hub, it might be the space that produces the next young person to be nominated for a Bafta or Oscar” (Actor Barry Keoghan put Summerhill on the map following his Bafta win at the weekend!).
The launch of the expanded HAY Project and services was also featured in the Irish Independent - read the article here.
Best of luck to all the Foróige staff, volunteers and young people in the HAY - we can't wait to see what you achieve together in your fab new hub space!
