The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), which represents organisations working with young people nationwide, has launched its Local Champions initiative for 2024. The campaign is aimed at ensuring increased investment in young people and youth work locally and nationally. Rachel Trimble from Kilbride has been confirmed for a second year running as the Local Champion for the Roscommon-Galway constituency.
Grace McManus (NYCI Campaigns Manager) explained, “As part of the Local Champions initiative, a group of passionate young individuals has been selected as representatives from their communities to engage with their local politicians and champion 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 €15 million in youth work in Budget 2025, to support services with increasing pressures, and ensure equal access to youth work for all young people nationwide.
Rachel is hoping to engage with public representatives, including TDs Michael Fitzmaurice, Claire Kerrane and Denis Naughten (among others).
Rachel Trimble said, “As someone who has a big interest in advocating for and representing the well-being of young people, I was delighted to be selected again this year to be a Local Champion. I was delighted I got the opportunity to share some of my experiences from various groups including Jigsaw, Foróige and many more”.
The Local Champions initiative will include activities such as engaging with policy-makers, sharing personal stories, and using social media to raise awareness and mobilise support.
