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Young people from schools in Newry, Crossmaglen, Warrenpoint, Kilkeel and Downpatrick have attended youth wellbeing events at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry and the Millbrook Lodge Hotel in Ballynahinch. Pupils took part in discussions on issues affecting their lives and communities, including loneliness, violence against women and girls, drugs and alcohol, and artificial intelligence. The events were organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Community Engagement team, Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and The Executive Office’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Change Fund.
events in Newry and Ballynahinch.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna, said: “Safety and wellbeing are not something that any one person or organisation can achieve alone. We all have a role to play in creating communities where people feel safe, supported, respected and able to ask for help when they need it.”
Pupils attended from St Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen, St Mark’s High School, Warrenpoint, and St Louis Grammar, Kilkeel. Five Newry schools also took part, namely Newry High School, St Mary’s High, St Colman’s College, Our Lady’s Grammar, Sacred Heart Grammar and Abbey Christian Brothers’ Grammar. Down High School, Downpatrick, was also represented.
During the sessions, young people explored ways of tackling isolation and loneliness through connection and peer support. They also discussed how they can help end violence against women and girls by promoting respect and healthy relationships.
host Stuart Robinson (back, second left). Included are front row (from left):
Rosemary Rooney (Davina’s Ark Aftercare Addiction Centre), Martina Flynn (Newry,
Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership) and Fiona
McNaughton (Women’s Aid Armagh Down). Back row: Aidan McCabe
(Southern Health Trust) and speaker Ryan Cinnamond.
Pupils learned about the risks associated with drugs and alcohol and where to access support. They also examined the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence, including online safety and responsible use of technology.
The programme forms part of ongoing work to support young people’s wellbeing, increase awareness of key social issues, and empower young people to play an active role in creating safer and more connected communities.
