ECHO ISSUE 14

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Issue 14: April 2012

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In this Edition of Echo we look at the upcoming Lets Talk About Sex week, we hear what has been happening in the YIC and Loft and also look ahead to what will be happening in the coming months.

Enjoy!

Martin Keeney

Youth Information Officer

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ESE R P E R O T X APOLLO SI E H T T A L A G DONE SIC U M H T U O IRISH Y AWARDS!

T U O B A K L A T S T E L n o i t i d E l a Speci

SEX

News ft o L & C I Y fo n I bout Sex oming Up? C ’s News Lets Talk A t a h W p U Speak

WHATS NEW?

NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE YIC

NEW YOUTH INFO SATELLITE POINTS Letterkenny Youth Information Centre have been developing new Youth Information Outreach Points in a range of locations around the county in conjunction with the Donegal Youth Service FAS Community Employment Scheme. The Yard in Falcarragh, Castlefinn YC, Doneyloop YC, Raphoe FRC, Planet Youth in Ballybofey, Buncrana Youth Drop In, Clonmany YC and Milford YC are all developing Youth Info points, providing a basic information service with direct links to our Hub Centre in Letterkenny. For more info call 074-9129640.

BREAKOUT CHALK MESSAGES The Breakout LGBT youth project created a unique show of support for the LGBT community in Donegal recently. The group invited people to come and write chalk messages of support in different locations in Letterkenny and Buncrana as part of the weeklong Stand Up campaign. Breakout is a youth drop-in service for LGBT young people in Donegal. The group, which is open to young people aged 16-23 who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, meets weekly in Letterkenny and Buncrana. The service is staffed by a Donegal Youth Service youth worker and volunteers. contact the Breakout Youth Worker on 0857411607, you can email lgbt@donegalyouthservice.ie.

APOLLO 6 TO REPRESENT DONEGAL AT IYMAS Letterkenny band Apollo 6 will represent Donegal at the Irish Youth Music Awards final after claiming victory in the Donegal Heat, which was held in Voodoo INK recently. The event, which was co-ordinated at local level by the Donegal Youth Service, saw 16 finalists take to the stage in what was a great day’s entertainment. They will now represent the county at the Irish Youth Music Awards National Final in Liberty Hall in Dublin on April 28th. Dungloe band The Loose Bananas finished a very close second, also winning best original song, meaning they will now have their song performed by Apollo 6 in the national final.

The Irish Youth Music Awards is a Youth Work Ireland Initiative.

See Page 3 for more photos of the event!

LETS TALK ABOUT SEX DONEGAL Youth Service in association with the Donegal Sexual Health Forum have announce plans for the 2012 Sexual Health Awareness Week. Let’s Talk about Sex is a Sexual Health Awareness Week that will be held from 23rd to 28th April 2012. See our centre pages for more details.

IYMA DONEGAL 2012 PARTY INHEAT THE PARK We look back at the recent Donegal Heat of the Irish Youth Music Awards.

Debbie & Geraldine from Moville

Apollo 6 perform their winning song

Bonnie Morrell - a name made for Showbiz

Buncrana’s Dont Lean Back

Bottom left: Marli Kerr Bottom right: Leila Keeney

Creeslough’s Daniel Doak

Sabotage from Dungloe

Kyle from Slaves of the System

LETS TALK ABOUT SEX PARTY IN THE PARK

LETS TALK ABOUT SEX DONEGAL

Let’s Talk about Sex is a Sexual Health Awareness Week that will be held from 23rd to 28th April 2012. The week is being organised by the Donegal Youth Service in association with the Donegal Sexual Health Forum.

The aim of the week is to promote healthy and supportive conversations with young people about sex, sexual health and sexuality.

If you would like to know more about Lets Talk About Sex Week Donegal contact us in the Youth Service now for more details or join our Lets Talk About Sex Donegal facebook page.

There is no risk of pregnancy if you have sex: while standing up / while you have your period / for the first time.

False Ok so if you have unprotected sex there is a chance you can get pregnant (or get your partner pregnant). The only 100% guaranteed way to prevent pregnancy (and STI’s) is not to have sex. If you are worried that you or your partner may have become pregnant or infected, contact your GP immediately.

Condoms have an expiry date.

True

Sexual Health Myths and Facts If you love me you’ll do it.

False Erm, no. This statement is emotional blackmail which wouldn’t be used by someone who really loves you. The answer is: If YOU love ME, you will respect my right to say no and stop putting pressure on me.

Everyone has Rights in relationships.

True With these rights also come responsibilities. It is your right to say no but it is your responsibility to accept no as an answer when it is said to you.

Condoms have a shelf life of approximately 5 years from the date they are made. The expiry date is printed on the condom box and on each individual wrapper. Condoms used after the expiry date will be less effective.

Condoms must also be stored and used according to instructions to ensure maximum protection for the users.

Everybody’s doing it!

False: No, actually they aren’t. In a recent study undertaken by Unicef, 63% of 16-20 year olds reported that they are sexually active. Out of this 63%, 80% waited until they were 16 or over before losing their virginity.

Just remember: 37% of all those surveyed were not sexually active at all. So not everybody’s doing it!

PARTY IN ABOUT THE PARK LETS TALK SEX

TALKING TO YOUR PARENTS ABOUT SEX!!!!

From a recent Unicef study entitled ‘Change the Future’, 81% of the 16-20 year olds involved stated that they never spoke to their parents about sex. We want to change that number, so we have come up with some tips on how to go about it:

5. Have your questions ready. It’s always better to be prepared!

How to talk to ‘THEM’ about ‘IT’

7. Keep the lines of communication open. The conversation doesn’t have to happen all at once. It’s usually better to start small and build up to bigger, more important topics.

1. By starting the conversation you are showing maturity and openness, you are also ensuring that it happens on your terms and that you are ready for it.

2. Don’t worry if you feel a bit nervous, sexual health is a normal part of growing up.

3. It’s ok to blush. This stuff is embarrassing.

6. Make sure you are in a quiet place with little chance of being disturbed. Conversations like this need to be given time.

8.Informing yourself now will help you protect yourself later.

9. Just because you’re talking about it doesn’t mean you’re doing it!

10. Now, take a deep breath and start talking!!

4. Don’t over or underestimate their experiences. No one knows it all, but everyone knows a bit!

ARE YOU LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER? ARE YOU AGED 16-23?

MEETS WEEKLY SATURDAYS 2-4PM LETTERKENNY CALL OR TEXT 085-7411607 PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER DONEGAL WELCOME! posterideachange3.indd 1

07/04/2010 17:26:39

SPEAK UP! BEYOND BORDERS

THIS BEACHBALL IS FOR LIFE! The Beyond Borders project funded by the International Fund for Ireland Community Bridges Program and managed by the Donegal Youth Service and the Omagh Youth Centre have officially laid claim to the mysterious Beachball that appeared on Falcarraghs backstrand a number of weeks ago.

This collaborative mosaic sculpture project was created under the tutelage of local sculptor Redmond Herrity and was backed by the Falcarragh Tourist committee. The mosaic was created by young people from the Pobal Le Cheile “Yard” Youth Project in Falcarragh in a cross border partnership with young people from the Hospital Road Community Centre in Omagh. Work on the mosaic was started and finished in a single day at the first annual “Yardstock” Youth event held back in December. The sculpture designed by young people on the Beyond Borders project represents the joy and fun of the beach.

The mosaic beachball is made out of a sphere of half a ton of concrete and fits in beautifully to the surrounding area. Children respond naturally to its playful design and a big thanks must go to Pobal Le Cheile, the young people engaging with the Beyond Borders team specifically from the Yard Youth Project, the Hospital Road Community Centre and all involved with this unique project. It is envisaged that there will be another 7 of these sculptures befo re the end of next year so watch this space. To find out more about the Beyond Borders project contact Frankie McGreevy at 074-9129630.

A group from the Yard in Falcarragh who worked towards creating the beachball

YOUTH INFORMATION WORK PLACEMENT

My Name is Katie Lyons. I am A 21 year old second year social studies student attending Letterkenny IT .I was introduced to the YIC through a work placement programme. Unsure of what a day in the life of a YIC officer entailed I can only say now they do not just have a distinct daily role but many diverse tasks. Each day is so different with tasks both being administrative and hands on to meet the needs of all people using the centre.

The Office oversees a variety of programmes and shares responsibility with collaborative services for implementing these programmes. In the 4 short weeks I have been here we have held open days, canvassed, highlighted awareness through various media and held information evenings on various programmes such as EVS, Stand Up Week and Teen Between to name but a few. In the same office we even managed to organise the Irish Youth Music Awards, which was a great success, Apollo 6 all the way!!!! My time at the centre has been made extremely enjoyable by the friendly staff, volunteers and attendees I have met. I have gained a wealth of knowledge on services available in our area and applicable to my career. I would highly recommend anyone seeking work placement to apply to YIC for an unforgettable and valuable experience.

EVS VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Meet our new European Volunteers

and in engineering companies (train-

has been very positive: nature, green

ing sector). I have practiced eques-

meadows, fascinating landscapes,

trian activities for the past 20 years….

many animals…Letterkenny is one

this is my biggest passion!

small and nice town, there is everything: shops, services, pub, gyms,

Why did you want to come to

different supermarket, and libraries…

volunteer in Ireland/ Donegal?

The Irish people are renowned for

Because I wanted have an

kindness, patience, availability to help,

experience abroad. I chose one Anglo-

hospitality.

Saxon country because in my Job it is very important to know the English

What has been your favourite thing

Name: EUGENIA TALLERO

language well. The EVS project is a

about here so far?

Title: EVS (From February to Novem-

very good opportunity to learn English

The type of work (because there are

ber 2012)

and to have a new experience abroad

various activities), Irish people and

Tell me about yourself:

for a long time. I think in this way my

nature.

My name is Eugenia Tallero, I’m 29

curriculum vitae, my experience of

and I’m Italian. I did art school before

work will be better and useful for my

Anything you don’t like?

university. I have a degree in

future and for my working life. Ireland

Weather!! But is not too bad….

psychology (social, work and organi-

is my preferred Anglo-Saxon country.

Have you any other interests/hobbies?

zation). I did a Master (management

Riding horses!

of training processes). I worked in the

What are your first impressions?

Anything else you would like to add?

social sector (disabled rehabilitations)

About Ireland my first impression

I’m happy here!

answer, so that I went to London to try to find any job I could to live over there. Thankfully I found work in a Mexican Restaurant and I was living in London for 6 months until they contacted me for this project.

Name: Carmen Serrano Aroca Title: “EVS is the best decision I made” Tell me about yourself I’m 26 years old. I was born in Valencia, Spain. Since I have been 20 years old I was travelling and living in others cities and countries. The firs time I moved city was when I left to study my degree. I went to Elche, Alicante and I was living over there for 5 years. When I finished my degree I moved to Barcelona to try and find a job, but due to the crisis was unsuccessful.

I was reconsidering my options and thought it best to go outside to learn languages. I was trying to find an EVS placement, but in that moment I didn’t have any positive

Why did you want to come to volunteer in Ireland/ Donegal?

My first motivation was to learn English. When I was studing at the University, I heard about this program and I thougth will be a good opportunity to learn English, to visit another country, besides learn the culture of the country and meet people.

What are your first impressions?

My first impression was very good, because the people here are very kind and warm, despite the weather. I was very scared because I didn’t know what I was going to find when i arrived, but I think it’s the best thing I have done.

What has been your favourite thing about here so far?

What I like so far is to enjoy the experience of meeting different cultures. Here I am living with an Italian and besides, I enjoy the opportunity to meet Irish people. I think that’s very important to grow as a person. Moreover, my English is improving very fast, as I can only communicate with that language.

Anything you don’t like?

I don’t have any complaints at the moment.

Have you any other interests/ hobbies?

My passion is art and to go to museums. In my free time I like to read and do sport.

Anything else you would like to add?

I want to encourage other young people to dare to live the experience of EVS. I think it’s the best decision I’ve made so far.

YIC LETTERKENNY

SERVICES & PROGRAMMES ARE YOU AGED 18-25???

Letterkenny Youth Information Centre will be offering a new Work Preparation Programme for young people aged 16-25. The course will run on Wed mornings for a 6 week period from 11am-1pm, beginning on May 2nd. The course offers participants an initial 12 hours of training and support in relation to preparing for work, including CV preparation, interview preparation, job seeking etc. Following the end of the course participants will also have the option of receiving up to 6 hours of one to one support with a staff member from the Youth Information Centre in order to help establish their next steps on the road to training or employment.

STUDENT TRAVEL CARD

Letterkenny Youth Information Centre is an agent for the Student Travel Card. We can process your card for you in the centre. See www.studenttravelcard.ie for more details on the discounts on offer.

EURODESK

Thinking of travelling, working or volunteering in Europe. Letterkenny YIC are your local Eurodesk Relay.

We have access to lots of European Information so give us a call today.

WEEKLY ACCOMMODATION & EMPLOYMENT LIST

Our weekly employment and accommodation list for Letterkenny can now be accessed online. See www.donegalyouthservice.ie/yic for more details.

WHAT’S COMING UP? YOUTH ACTION GROUP

The Youth Action Group meets on Thursday evenings and will soon begin work on planning this year’s Party in the Park. Talk to John Ruddy now to get involved.

OUTREACH IN SCHOOLS

Letterkenny YIC are reguarly providing outreach in different schools across the town and county. We offer workshops in a range of areas including peer mentoring, school council training, internet safety workshops, study skills & much more.

Contact the centre if you feel we could be of benefit to your school.

DROP IN HOURS

The YIC drop in continues to open until 6pm Monday to Thursday, while we are open to 5pm on Fridays. The Loft drop-in remains open until 8pm on Wednesday and Thursdays and opens from 5-10pm on Fridays, as well as 2-8pm on Saturdays.

STUDENT GRANT CONSULTATION For the coming year all Student Grant applications will have to be filled out online. Letterkenny YIC can help you find out info about the student grant and help you fill out your application.

Talk to a member of staff now.

SAFE SOCIAL MEDIA GROUP

Are you obsessed with all things Facebook, twitter or other social media? This is the group for you. Talk to John Ruddy now.

CONTACT DETAILS

FACEBOOK

Letterkenny YIC

YOUTH MEDIA GROUP

Donegal Youth Service 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel 0749129640

We are on Facebook. Just search “Letterkenny YIC” and add us for regular updates and info.

The Youth Media Group meets Tuesday evenings from 6-8pm. If you would like to get involved talk Marty in the YIC now.

yicletterkenny@donegalyouthservice.ie www.donegalyouthservice.ie/yic