Life During Lockdown
/
our programmes continue
It’s not quite business as usual, but we’ve adapted our programmes in order to continue our work with young people in Dublin 8. What have we been up to? Check out our latest updates:
Step up
WE’VE GONE DIGITAL - In March and April, we had a total of 53 zoom sessions with 25 different young people. Our mentors have also been chatting to young people on the phone, over text, and on social media.
ART PROJECT - In this challenging time of separation, we’ve asked our young people to use creativity as a way of expressing what community means to them. Art packs have been delivered to each teenager to get them started!
ONGOING SUPPORT - We continue to have contact with the schools, local youth projects and the school completion programme to ensure that together we are providing the holistic support our young people need.
Compass
LETTERS - We’ve continued prison work through a letter writing project. Our team has written over 40 letters to young people in prison, supplying them with stationary to reply. Their letters have provided reflections on life and concern over lockdown.
ONGOING SUPPORT - Intensive mentoring support of young people in the community has continued through regular phone calls and texts.
The Club
THE JOY OF LETTERS - Most children in our after school programme don’t own phones, so we started by sending out handwritten cards, along with pre-addressed return envelopes. This was met with huge excitement and we have thoroughly enjoyed receiving our young people’s replies in the post:
“I am so happy with my card I got in the post hope you are all well and we can be all together again soon…”
CARE PACKAGES - Thanks to some generous donations, we are in the process of creating fun care packages to be delivered to each child.
FOOD DELIVERIES - We have been working closely with schools and other organisations to ensure that any families in need have access to food deliveries.
Rua and The Yard
GIVE ME A RING - We have continued the Rua programme through regular phone calls and texts. We’ve also sent out some postcards, which were joyfully received and have prompted further conversation.
WOODWORKING - Our Yard workshop is currently closed, so the team has been compiling video content for our woodwork trainees. A new YouTube channel is allowing them to continue learning.
ZOOM - We have also been using Zoom for activities with the young people in Rua and the Yard. It’s been great fun for participants and our team is getting quite competitive in the personal training sessions!
Support Solas Project
We plan to continue our important work of connecting with and encouraging Dublin’s young people, but our team needs your support. If you’re in a position to do so, would you consider a standing order or one-time donation to Solas Project today?
