Strategic Framework Launch

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“The difference for me between Solas Project and other services is that they don’t give up, they actually care. On my days when I’m broken and down and feel like I have nobody, Solas is the place for me to go…it’s that little safe space so I’ll always be grateful to them forever.” – Young Person, Rua Programme

On Thursday, May 16th, we had the joy of launching our strategic framework, which outlines our organisational priorities for the next five years. We titled the framework "Never Give Up" to express our unwavering commitment to our goals, our communities, and, most importantly, our young people. This sentiment was beautifully expressed by one of our young participants in the quote above who shared at the event about his experience being a part of our Rua programme.

Other highlights from the event included a panel from our Junior and Senior After Schools Clubs who shared about the fun and activities they get to do together. When asked what they would say to someone new at their club, a Junior participant responded:

“We’re a kind group of people who do activities, go to the sports hall, and we have food.” – Junior Club Participant

This simple sentiment reminds us that it's often the little things—kindness, shared experiences, and meals—that make the biggest difference. As we determined our strategic priorities, we focused on enhancing the sustainability and reach of our existing programmes that already do these things well. This ensures that our goals are achievable and aligned with our vision of helping children and young people recognise their worth and reach their full potential. Our four strategic priorities are outlined in the graphic below; to read more about each one in detail click the button below.

A final significant highlight of the launch event was the presence of Salla Heron, the original founder of Solas Project, which began as an After Schools club for girls in Basin Lane. It was moving to see how far Solas Project has grown since its humble beginnings in 2007, now supporting approximately 700 young people in Dublin annually.

We extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who attended the launch event: our Board, young people, statutory funders including CDETB and Probation, representatives from the Irish Prison Service, Gardai, corporate and university partners, representatives from local schools, community and youth organisations, and some of our TDs and councillors. Together we can work towards societal change to ensure future generations do not face the same challenges our young people do today. As we look ahead to the next five years, we do so with gratitude, determination, and hope.

Investing in Volunteers

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At Solas Project we recognise the reciprocal value of volunteering. Our young people benefit immensely from the opportunity to build relationships with trusted adults from a wide range of backgrounds. Simultaneously, research indicates that volunteers themselves also benefit, with volunteerism being linked to improved mental and physical well-being. According to Mental Health Ireland’s National Volunteer Strategy:

“As well as the satisfaction from making a positive difference within their local community, volunteers have reported better mental health, better physical health, and a greater opportunity to make friends.”

We currently have approximately 120 volunteers who serve each week throughout the year as well as an additional 200+ corporate volunteers who participate in short-term volunteer programmes each year. In 2022 we decided to formally demonstrate the value that volunteering adds to our organisation by embarking on a journey with ‘Investing in Volunteers’, which is a quality standard for all organisations involving volunteers. It aims to improve the volunteering experience for all volunteers and demonstrates that organisations value the enormous contribution made by their volunteers.

After undergoing a thorough assessment in 2023, we are delighted to have been awarded the badge of achievement for 2023-2026 in recognition of our commitment to volunteering within the organisation. As part of the qualitative data, we received some great feedback we’d love to share. Volunteers commented on how welcome they were made to feel when joining the organisation and how they’ve been able to see positive progression in young people over time.

What Our Volunteers are saying:

“Everyone was friendly and welcoming. Meeting the other volunteers at the start was a positive experience”.

“It has taken me out of my comfort zone and benefits my professional development. I thoroughly enjoy it and volunteering has helped me clarify the area of work that I want to go down.”

“I’ve grown as a person, I come away every time buzzing and I’m always learning something new.”

“You get so much energy from the kids. I’m proud to say that I’m a volunteer with Solas Project.”

“I enjoy it so much. Every day that you are there is valued. Getting a thank you from the children and seeing them progress is so rewarding”.

It is clear from their feedback that our volunteers understand the impact that consistently showing up for a young person can have on building a trusting relationship. Every volunteer brings something different with their skill set and significantly adds value to the work we do. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with us, be sure to check out our volunteer page to see our current opportunities.

TRY Model Launch

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“…Youth workers need models to articulate the purpose and value of their work to politicians and the public, and to explain foundational assumptions about society, young people, values, and mechanisms for personal and social change. Robust on-going discussion about models clarifies the relationship between theory and practice and enables youth work to make use of advances in knowledge in other disciplines, and to innovate constructively when faced with social and political change.”

- Cooper, Youth & Policy 2012 p.98

This month we are celebrating two years since the Targeted Response with Youth (TRY) Project officially joined Solas Project as part of our Justice Team. As the project continues to grow, the team has worked hard to develop their own model outlining their bridging approach to working with young people. As expressed in the opening quote, youth work models are necessary to not only help establish the foundational purpose and value of the work, but to also demonstrate the relationship between theoretical approaches and their practical applications.

After months of planning, discussing, writing, and designing, the TRY Model was officially launched this January over Zoom. During the launch, a total of 64 people tuned in to hear our team share about the various stages of the model, along with corresponding stories from young people of how the levels of support have made a difference for them.

An important aspect about the model’s Bridge of Community approach, as explained by Justice Programme Manager Ashling Golden, is that it is not a linear progression and young people may find themselves at different stages during various circumstances and life events. The overarching theme of the model is to always meet young people where they are at through providing consistent and practical supports. This can be summarised in the team’s motto:

“Nobody is too far gone, everybody is worth it, everyone can change, communities can improve, society can flourish.”

Click the button below to view the full model.

Holiday Highlights

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“If you can laugh together, you can work together.”

- Robert Orben

With January well underway and the days growing slightly longer, a spirit of hope and anticipation accompanies us into the new year. As we reflect on 2023, collaboration emerged as a central theme for us as we sought out ways for our various teams and programmes to come together. A particularly beautiful example of this was our year-end event, Santa’s Grotto, where the laughter and sense of community served as a testament to the power of working together.

The Main Event

Hosted at our newest office space on Oliver Bond St, the event was truly a community-wide effort. For weeks leading up to the date, staff and volunteers coordinated entertainment, treats, decorations, and of course: presents! Thanks to the fundraising support from Udemy, via The Irish Youth Foundation and other generous donors, we were able to provide gifts for 60 children who attended the event from our Junior and Senior After Schools programme and families from our Liberate programme. Some of our very own team members and young people surprised us with their artistic talents, including face painting, music, and elf impersonations.

Looking Forward

While the holidays can be a challenging time, often accompanied by various stressors and expectations, this event reminded us of the joy to be found amongst the chaos, and that things don’t have to be perfect in order to make an impact. In the words of A.A. Milne:

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in our hearts.”

As we prepare for the year ahead, we want to continue prioritising collaboration amongst our teams and community, hopefully with a lot more laughs along the way.

Meet this year’s ESC Volunteers!

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December 5th has been established as International Volunteer Day by the UN General Assembly in order to recognise and celebrate the power of collective action. In light of this, we want to take the opportunity to introduce and hear from our wonderful volunteers who have joined us for the year through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC).

ESC is an EU initiative that provides young people aged 18 to 30 with the chance to engage in voluntary activities that promote solidarity, foster social integration, and contribute to positive social change. On our team this year we are fortunate to have Sara from Italy, Jean-Christophe (JC) from France, and Tess from Germany contributing to our Solas@School programmes and After School Clubs. Having started in September, we recently had a chat with them to see how they are findings things so far and to gather any advice they might offer to others looking to volunteer.

Meet Sara!

Q: What does volunteering mean to you?

A: For me, volunteering means deciding to spend my time in a useful way that helps people and brings joy. I chose to volunteer with Solas Project because of their positive values and the opportunity to spend time with children. 

Q: What have been some of your highlights so far? 

A: I think the best times are those spent outdoors playing different sports, where we have the opportunity to connect more with the children and share both the difficulties and beautiful things of team play. More highlights include learning some dance steps together, jokes, and the children teaching me some Irish words and me teaching them some Italian. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to volunteer?

A: To those who would like to start volunteering I recommend not to wait because there are many ways to help and to approach it with a smile by bringing your own experience in different fields, and by being open to listening to the stories and passions of others.

Meet JC!

Q: What’s one thing you want to learn during your time at Solas Project?

A: I'd love to be able to learn how to have a positive impact on the kids of the After-Schools Club, bonding with them is not always easy but when it starts it is really rewarding. I might consider teaching later and I wouldn't want to leave any student behind, that's why learning to cope with each type of personality is so important.

Q: Have you tried any new activities with the kids? 

A: We've done lots of crafting activities, painting masks, papercrafts, and tie-dyeing shirts...I'm thinking now of fun science activities that I'd love to bring to the kids, it would get them to discover fun things and might also get them interest in scientific phenomena. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to volunteer?

A: I'd say not to plan things too far in advance because it's really hard to actually imagine how things will be before experiencing them in reality. As well I’d say not being afraid because you are really supported as a volunteer in order to give the best of yourself!

Meet Tess!

 Q: Why did you choose to volunteer with Solas Project?

A: I chose Solas Project because I have been dealing with the consequences of some bad circumstances growing up and I wanted to do something that had meaning; even if it’s only a small positive impact in the lives of the children. I think volunteering is important because you are doing something good for others as well as for yourself.

Q: What has surprised you so far?

A: It surprised me how quickly I could build a connection with the children and how much their personal experiences and stories influence me. My highlights are always the moments when the children open-up to me, show that they like me, or simply laugh their hearts out. I especially love it when I play the guitar and the kids all sing along at the top of their lungs.

Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to volunteer? 

A: Be aware of what you choose and make sure that the project feels right for you. And don't think that work is just work and that doesn't have an impact on yourself.

We are incredibly grateful for each and every volunteer who gives of their time, skills, and energy to help support the lives of young people. A special thank you to Sara, JC, and Tess for your courage and willingness to step out of your comfort zones to come and volunteer with us. We appreciate your insights and look forward to hearing more updates from you in the New Year!