Empowering Young People

Welcome to Youth Work Ireland Galway, where we inspire and empower young people to reach their full potential. To find out more about our organisation, read below about our values, our history and structure in which we connect with young people through our support services.

Seven youth in school uniforms holding a large globe and a frame reading 'Galway Youth Climate Assembly 26th February 2025' with UN Sustainable Development Goals icons along the bottom.

Who We Are  

Youth Work Ireland Galway is a voluntary youth work organisation governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. From our centres in Galway City, Tuam, Loughrea and Ballinasloe, we provide and coordinate community - based services and supports to young people in a safe environment. We are led by the principles and practice of community development. We recognise the right of all young people regardless of gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability, marital status, race, culture or ethnic origin to participate fully in their community.

Our Vision

The Vision of Youth Work Ireland Galway is a safe and secure society where young people can grow, develop and thrive. A society where young people have a voice and are respected. A society where equality and diversity are valued and inequality and discrimination are called out and challenged.

Our Mission

The Mission of Youth Work Ireland Galway is to support, empower and inspire young people to reach their full potential in a manner that is inclusive and supports voluntary participation, is non-judgmental, welcoming and open. We will do this by working in partnership with young people and other relevant stakeholders to provide a safe and supportive environment and range of services to all.

Our Values

Youth Work Ireland Galway is a voluntary youth work organisation governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. From our centres in Galway City, Tuam, Loughrea and Ballinasloe, we provide and coordinate community-based services and supports to Young People and their families underpinned by a number of core values that guide and inform all our work. These values are based on our collective experience and expertise in engaging with young people and developing services to support their needs.

Joy

We strive to bring joy and fun to our work and to the young people we engage with in our work.

Diversity

We believe in diversity and strive to treat all people equally at all times.

Collectivism

We strive to work together, to collaborate and to support each other.

Authenticity

We strive to be our authentic selves and to support young people to express their authentic selves.

Youth Participation

We strive to create ‘real’ youth participation; the type of participation that enables young people to directly influence the development of our organisation and services.

Youth-Centred

We strive to see the young person first and foremost in the development of our services

Board of Directors

Mairead Cluskey

Chairperson

Trevor O' Clochartaigh

Treasurer

Lhara Mullins

Secretary

Oliver King

Board Director

Sam O' Neill

Board Director

Lee Anna Ward

Vice Chairperson

Clement Shelvin

Board Director

Governance

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Diverse group of people sitting in a circle on grass with their hands stacked together in the center.

Our Services

At Youth Work Ireland Galway, we are dedicated to fostering the potential of young people. Our programmes focus on personal development, community involvement, and building essential life skills.

Youth Counselling

Youth Work

Youth Clubs

Youth & Family Support

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