About Us

GYDPs are community-based multi-agency crime prevention initiatives, which seek to divert young people who have become involved in crime/anti-social behaviour and to support wider preventative work within the community and with families at risk. They aim to bring about the conditions whereby the behavioural patterns of young people towards law and order can develop and mature through positive interventions and interaction with the project. They are primarily targeted at 12-17 year old “at risk” youths in communities where a specific need has been identified and where there is a risk of them remaining within the justice system. The project also works with 8-11 year olds in a preventative manner. Our Family Support Worker commenced 2019. Commitment and passion is key to ensure each family are supported and empowered during times of crisis. The project is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Social Fund (ESF) as Part of the ESF Programme for Employability, inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020 and the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Ethos

We are committed to safeguarding the well-being and promoting the rights of all young people & families with whom we work.
Staff strive to provide a non-judgemental, welcoming environment which facilitates personal development, supports & encourages those who wish to realise their full potential.

Overall Aim

Taking a holistic approach to young people and their families. Working together on care plans that provide suitable activities to facilitate
Personal & Social development,
Encourage civic responsibility
Improve long term employability prospects.

PROGRAMMES Include

1:1 & Group Work
Crime & Drug Awareness
Educational Support
Social and Personal Development
Driver Theory
Cooking Programmes
CV Building & Interview Skills
Gaisc
Citizenship Programmes
Leisure Activities
Health and Fitness Programmes
Family Support Programmes

REFERRAL PROCESS


We accept referrals from;
Juvenile liaison officer, Garda, Probation, Educational Agencies, Other Agencies, Community, Parents & Self

Cathreen Sherrock

Project Co-ordinator

Cathreen has a love for Gardening and Drama which has been extremely rewarding to share the skills with young people who have attended the project. Working side by side we created a multi award winning garden for all members of the community. Over time pieces of drama have been submitted to small funding opportunities. Supporting charities is important to me and I encourage young people to get involved.

Mark Molloy

Youth Justice Worker

Mark is passionate about health and fitness which made my decision to study sports management at WIT an easy choice.

Delivering health & fitness programs to young people within the project has always proved to be popular, leading to some young people engaging more regular in their local gyms and clubs.

Kevin Dowling

Youth Justice Worker

Kevin’S boxing and carpentry are skills that I share with young people who attend the project. The Carpentry workshops have had a very positive influence on the young people which resulted in the construction of small cottages and cribs which were sold to local business and individuals raising money for charity. Being a qualified boxing coach enables me to build up a positive relationship with the young people. Motivating and Supporting young people to join boxing clubs and move towards competition. Any or both of these can and have been used by a young person for the Gaisce Award.

Amanda Veale

Family Support Worker

Amanda has worked as a Family Support Worker with the SMART Project since May 2019. Amanda’s commitment and passion for her role ensures each family are supported and empowered during times of crisis. Amanda’s positive approach ensures that families identify their strengths in addition to addressing their needs. Amanda’s excellent communication and listening skills have been extremely influential in building the trust and confidence of those she works with. Amanda’s caring and empathetic approach is evident in the support work carried out with local families.