Written by Tara Trevaskis Hoskin
The story of our survey, like any good story, has a beginning, middle and an end. In the beginning as a Comhairle we planned what kind of questions would be most appropriate to our survey. It is a youth survey, for young people by young people. First we had a successful online trial and then we went to print. Comhairle members helped distribute the after and after lots of running around and fussing we got over 1,000 responses! It is safe to say we were delighted with the response and from us young people to the youth of Wicklow, THANK YOU!
Now on to the middle of our story; we analysed the data and found out what the youth of Wicklow really care about.
The top five issues were:
1. Mental health
2. Homeless young people (alone or with a family)
3. Physical health
4. Cyber bullying
5. Transport accessibility for young people with a disability
We also broke down the data for each municipal district and in all five mental health was the top priority for young people. To quote one respondent “There are not enough places for teens with mental health problems to go where they feel safe.”
Physical health was also viewed as very important “I think physical and mental health is very important”. The housing crisis and homelessness was also a prominent issue “young people facing abuse, homelessness and discrimination needs to be addressed”.
The survey launched in the county buildings on May 9. We had speeches from John Ryan (Cathearlach of Wicklow county council) and Brian Doyle (CEO of Wicklow County Council) as well as two of the Comhairle members Casey Kelly and myself! We were overwhelmed at the attendance at the launch from county councillors, TDs and Wicklow community workers and it really showed us that our work is valued.
What happened in the end of our story? Well the hard work is actually only beginning! We will use the surveys to help inform our work plan for the year. We have already begun an online consultation on cyber bullying, we have started communication with Wicklow’s housing committee and we plan on working with them for the year and we even attended a housing conference last week in Dublin where we got to ask a question about youth homelessness! Regarding mental health, we will be collaborating with mental health groups such as Be Well who are already advancing youth mental health in the community.
On behalf of all of us in County Wicklow Comhairle na nOg, I would like to say a massive thank you to everybody who has helped and supported this project and also to our two amazing coordinators Dermot O’Brien and Grace McManus, I don’t know if we could have pulled this off without all your help! “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has” -Margaret Mead.
To find out more and follow our work, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WicklowComhairlenanOg
