“Include Youth help build my confidence and my employability skill , something I didn’t have before I attended this programme. I feel it has helped me better myself as a human being”
Include Youth, in partnership with Tusla, proudly celebrated the achievements of exceptional young people at the ‘Give and Take’ programme celebration event on Wednesday, 26th June. The inspiring occasion honoured the commitment and perseverance of participants who have completed the programme and earned valuable qualifications to support their future goals.
The ‘Give and Take’ programme, delivered in collaboration with Tusla and funded by the Dormant Accounts Fund, is designed to support care-experienced young people. For over a year, it has offered tailored learning opportunities, employability training, and essential life skills to help participants transition into further education or the world of work.
Throughout the programme, young people have actively contributed to their communities—organising events such as a St. Patrick’s Day parade, family fun days, community lunches, and volunteering activities. These experiences have helped them develop key life skills while fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
A standout moment of the event was the heartfelt story shared by one of the young people on the programme. His stories highlighted the programme’s transformative impact—boosting confidence, opening career pathways, and offering direction and a renewed sense of purpose
Include Youth have partnered with the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education & Training Board (DDLETB) on educational aspects of the programme, and the DDLETB are also providing a premises for the group work. The programme is being funded through Dormant Accounts funding.
The success of the event is a testament to the dedication of the programme staff and the resilience of the young people involved.
For more information about the ‘Give and Take’ programme or to learn how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.includeyouth.org
“The Include Youth project continues to be pivotal and transformative in meeting the personal development, educational and employability needs of a cohort of care experienced young people that are highly vulnerable with complex needs within Tusla Aftercare services. By adopting a holistic, inclusive, and participatory approach to care leavers identified needs and goals, the Give and Take programme has had a meaningful impact on the lives of those actively involved in the project. The passion, drive and determination of the project workers who work collaboratively with the Tusla Aftercare team, has meant that care leavers have felt supported to build skills and develop trust. Through Dormant Account funding, Include Youth has clearly evidenced that with the right support, there are no limits to what care leavers can achieve”
“We are thrilled to celebrate this special occasion, marking the achievements of young people from Tallaght, Dublin who have benefitted from the tailored support of the Give and Take programme. The energy on the day was incredible, as the young people were rightfully recognised for their outstanding accomplishments. The strong partnership between ourselves and Tusla continues to be instrumental, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead to support even more young people in the surrounding areas to thrive and reach their full potential”
