The Portlaoise No Name Club has moved a step closer to opening with news this week that training is to take place locally.
The Portlaoise No Name Club is holding a child protection training course on Wednesday 3rd May in the youth cafe over Subway from 7-11pm.
This training is essential for anyone who wishes to voluteer in the new group. New volunteers are always welcome, according to the local organisers.
If you would like to attend please contact Matthew Kennelly in the EBS on Main Street or on matthewkennellyfinancialsl@
A meeting for people interested in founding the club was held recently on April 12 in the No Limits hall in Kea Lew business park.
Prioer to this, Portlaoise had been identified as a location in need of a No Name Club for teenagers by the national voluntary organisation.
The organisation said it was keen to establish a club in the Portlaoise area and was looking for support from the local community.
Ideal location
Bryan Fennell, communications officer with the No Name Club, told LaoisToday that they were very keen to establish a club in the midlands, and Portlaoise would be an ideal location.
He said a strong club in Castlebar has led to several clubs being founded in neighbouring areas, as the benefits of such a club spread by word of mouth.
“Portlaoise will hopefully have the same effect. I’m a midlands man myself and know Portlaoise very well. It is a town that does provide outlets and things to do for young children upto the 12/13 age bracket, but there is nothing really for the 16-year-olds who want to hang out once or twice a week and not worry about things such as the Leaving Cert ,” he said.
The No Name Club, enables young people to organise and enjoy positive alternatives to alcohol and drug-centred activities and increases awareness of the effects of alcohol and drugs, to help young people make informed choices when they are older.
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