Report highlights youth needs

A REPORT has been launched that aims to identify and analyse the current, emerging and aspirational needs of hard to reach 14-24 year olds living in the north east inner city. 

‘Reach Out – Identifying and enabling positive and sustainable pathways for “Hard to Reach” young people in the North East Inner City’, also aims to identify gaps and blocks to these young people’s engagement with services and supports. 

Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure & Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD, launched the report on behalf of Young People At Risk (YPAR) at an event in St Agatha’s Hall, Dunne Street in the north inner city. 

The research was carried out by the University of Limerick and funded by the NEIC Initiative. 

The NEIC Initiative was established by central government following the spate of feud related shootings and deaths in the area. 

“Hard to Reach” is defined by YPAR as young people experiencing difficulties with relationships, education/training, employment, and health who are caught up in damaging criminal, anti-social and/or at risk activities, and are not engaging on a consistent and voluntary basis with local social supports and services.

According to the report, young people at risk in the north east inner city present with a range of complex needs and vulnerabilities including adverse childhood experiences, substance misuse, mental health issues, trauma, and dual diagnosis, along with learning and behavioural difficulties. 

Several of the issues impacting the lives of young people are interconnected, as has been demonstrated internationally. According to the OECD, mental health issues, socio-economic disadvantage and youth vulnerabilities are strongly linked.

It is hoped that the findings, conclusions and recommendations contained in the report will inform more collaborative multiagency responses and enable the development of effective social inclusion and developmental pathways for young people.

 YPAR is an action focused interagency network of statutory, voluntary and community projects and services including the HSE, TUSLA, An Garda Síochána, the Probation Service/Irish Youth Justice, Dublin City Council, CDETB, Inner City Organisations Network (ICON), and other voluntary and community children and youth organisations, working to support, facilitate, and implement an integrated approach to meeting the needs of young people at risk.