Youth Initiatives COVID -19 youth work response

The staff at Youth Initiatives still want to be able to connect with and work with the young people who attend our programmes regularly. We recognise that our current situation has come as a shock to most and presents challenges with schools being closed, parks closed amongst other challenges. 

We want to respond to the different needs that are being experienced by those we work with. During our time of self-isolation, social distancing, schools and gathering being shut we want to ensure that the mental, emotional, spiritual and social wellbeing of our young people is protected and nurtured throughout this uncertain time.  

Using the means of social media we are hoping to provide support, run group work programmes, live stream appropriate content and be available for phone calls for support. We are hoping to use a variety of forms of social media as a way of being creative to support young people, families and the wider community. 

We have developed a new online communications policy in line with YI GDPR and SafeGuarding policies. These policies are available on the YI COVID-19 webpage.

In order to connect with young people we will need to get parental consent for young people aged under 18 and consent from young people aged over 18. Please complete the form below if you are happy for your child/ young person or you yourself to be involved in a new approach to youth work for this time. Please be aware that all video calls that include under 18's will have at least 2 staff present and will be recorded for safe guarding purposes.

If you would like any more information or would like to discuss this please contact 

Siobhàn Darragh at siobhan@youthinitiatives.com with your name and number and we will contact you.

Online Communications Policy

Online Youth Work Participation Consent Form

Please select the YI Community Hub your child/ young person attends to complete the consent form.

Banbridge Derry/Londonderry Downpatrick East Belfast Lisburn West Belfast

If you would like any more information or would like to discuss this please contact 

Siobhàn Darragh at siobhan@youthinitiatives.com with your name and number and we will be in contact with you.

Policies

Data Protection Policy

Children, young people and Adults at Risk Safeguarding Policy