The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), which represents organisations working with young people nationwide, has launched its Local Champions initiative for 2025.
The campaign aims to ensure increased investment in young people and youth work locally and nationally.
Anna McWey from Ballyroan and Billie Constantinou from Portlaoise have been selected as Local Champions for Laois.
Grace McManus, NYCI campaigns manager explained:
“As part of the Local Champions project, a group of passionate and dedicated young people have been selected as representatives from their communities, tasked with meeting their local politicians and championing the cause of youth work.”
The Local Champions received training and support from NYCI to effectively convey the positive impact youth work has on their lives and the lives of young people in the local area, as well as the importance of investing in youth work.
NYCI is calling for an increased investment of €21 million in youth work in Budget 2026, to support services with increasing pressures, and ensure equal access to youth work for all young people nationwide.
The representatives Local Champions in Laois are engaging with TDs William Aird, Sean Fleming and Brian Stanley.
Anna said: “This Local champion initiative highlights opportunities for us to engage with our local politicians and spread awareness about the work being done on a local level.
“While there a many incredible projects taking place in Laois, there is definitely room for improvement which can only be facilitated with the help of our local politicians, civil servants and communities.
“Ireland is renowned for its voluntary sector and the youth work sector is no different, now is the time to recognise its value within each community across the island of Ireland.”
Billie said “I really look forward to taking the next step in my youth work.
“The local champions for me is such a new experience and I can’t wait to learn and meet new people.
“I am excited to make my voice heard and really dive into the issues that face young people.
“It is so important to be vocal as a young person and I want to portray that message both on a local level and further!”
The Local Champions initiative will include activities such as engaging with policymakers, sharing personal stories, and using social media to raise awareness and mobilise support.
Through these efforts, NYCI and the Local Champions aim to create a broader understanding of the significance of youth work and its positive impact on society.
SEE ALSO – Chance at redemption as Laois U-20 footballers return to O’Moore Park to face Wexford
