About CYS - Welcome
Welcome to the website of the Clare Youth Service. We hope the site will not only provide you with information on all aspects of our work but also to enable you to take part and use our service.
Clare Youth Service exists to serve the county's young people aged 12 -25. We do this in numerous ways - by providing information on rights and entitlements; by representing youth interests; by providing education and training; by organisation or supporting youth clubs, projects and other activities run in local communities; by listening and befriending; by responding to ideas for activities generated by young people.
A website can only do so much - your ideas, requests, information and views are the core of our service so, use our contact page and get in touch!
Brief History
Clare Youth Service had its beginnings in 1969 when it was established as Clare Regional Youth Council. Over the years it has changed and developed to become a leader in the field of Youth Services. It is a company limited by guarantee, with charitable status and is linked by affiliation to Youth Work Ireland.
Mission Statement
Clare Youth Service works to enable young people in Co. Clare develop to their full potential, through the co-operative work of trained volunteers and professional staff.
Values Statement
Clare Youth Service is a young person centred
organisation believing that all young people are of equal value and citizens in
their own right. Our core values of Trust,
Listening, Respect, Voluntary Participation, and Representation are reflected
in our work.
“If
you have come to help me,
You
are wasting your time,
But
if you have come because your
liberation
is bound up with mine
then
let us work together”.
Aboriginal
Saying:
TRUST: Trust is a core element of any human
relationship and is therefore fundamental in our work with young people. Trust
builds bridges and creates partnerships of understanding.
LISTENING: In order for young people to grow and
thrive, they must be listened to by adults whom they trust and can rely on.
Clare Youth Service values actively listening to young people as a core
approach in its work
RESPECT/JUDGEMENT FREE: Clare Youth Service works
to create a judgement free environment built on respect for all young people.
Here they are enabled to share their stories and be accepted for who they are
and the stage they are at in their personal life journey.
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION: Clare Youth Service is
committed to quality practice focused on processes which encourage and
facilitate the voluntary participation of young people in appropriate ways.
REPRESENTATION: Clare Youth Service is committed
to ensuring that the needs and interests of young people are represented in
relevant fora. In our work we strive to
support young people to express their voice on all issues affecting them while
acknowledging that at times and in certain situations staff and volunteers must
advocate on their behalf.
Clare Youth Service recognises the unique
contribution volunteers make to young people and the community. Volunteerism is a key source of social
capital. Clare Youth Service – a volunteer led organisation is committed to
promoting, sustaining and developing volunteering within its organisation.
Clare Youth Service endorses all the values and
principles enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the
principles enshrined in the UN Declaration on Human Rights, the principles
underpinning the Children’s Act 2001 and the Equal Status Act 2000.
