Dec 18, 2024 | News & Events
On Wednesday 11th December 2024, the leading youth organisation in Kerry hosted a number of activities to celebrate the launch of its revised Constitution and new name.
Following extensive consultation with young people, volunteers, stakeholders and the local community, it was decided that the organisation previously known as Kerry Diocesan Youth Service would become Kerry Community Youth Service. This is the first revision of the charity’s Constitution since the organisation was founded. The process was informed by Charity Regulator guidance in relation to good governance and was an opportunity to specifically name youth participation and climate justice as priority commitments.
The programme for the day included a formal launch in KCYS Killarney, hosted by young people which honoured the past, reflected on what community youth work looks like today, acknowledged the contribution of volunteers and information was shared about exciting plans the organisation has for the future.
Linda Kearin, Coordinator of KCYS Youth Justice Programme outlined a new national Court Accompaniment programme, funded by the Department of Justice, which will be piloted in Kerry in the New Year. Anne Murphy, Coordinator of KCYS Youth Information Service explained that KCYS was recently awarded the ERIYCA Quality Label which is recognition from the Council of Europe for accessible and inclusive youth information services. Gareth Harteveld, KCYS Youth Work Development Manager spoke about the ambitious plans the organisation has to expand it’s European youth work programme.
Gareth announced that KCYS has received Erasmus+ funding with support from LEARGAS to invest in youth participation in 2025 with one of their partners under the Council of Europe Quality Label for Youth Centres. KCYS is the only youth organisation in Ireland to have achieved this standard. The planned youth participation programme will include updating youth participation resources and providing training in youth participation for youth workers and volunteers in partnership with ZPTM Brezice Youth Centre in Bulgaria.
Gareth Harteveld, KCYS Youth Work Development Manager said, ‘We are thrilled to receive this funding which will allow us to support young people from Kerry and Bulgaria to work together to update existing youth participation resources. It is so important that this work is led by young people and we are looking forward to working with our Council of Europe Quality Label partners in Bulgaria on this project.’
Following the formal event, all KCYS Youth Centres around the County opened their doors to young people who took part in a wide range of activities to celebrate the youth organisation’s new name culminating in a workshop with Bernard Casey in the Killarney Centre.
Berni Smyth, CEO of KCYS commented, ‘We are delighted to launch our new name. The consultation process has also given us an opportunity to reflect on what community youth work means in Ireland and in Kerry today. As a member organisation of Youth Work Ireland, KCYS is committed to the national campaign ‘Youth Work for All’ which seeks recognition of all young people’s right to local and accessible youth work services and spaces which strongly echoes the view of the young people who took part in this process.’ She called on local representatives to work with the organisation to access additional resources for youth work in Kerry.
Youth People
FRONT ROW YOUNG PEOPLE L – R
Youth Advisory Panel — Conor Flaherty, Niamh Horgan, Leanne O’Grady, Leah WIlliams Morgan, Luke O’Sullivan.
BACK ROW L – R
Finbar Fitzpatrick – Director of Business Improvement Solutions at Gauge Impact
Anne Murphy – KCYS Youth Information
Danielle Gayson – President Elect of Youth Work Ireland
Breda Lynch – Tusla Area Manager
Berni Smyth – KCYS CEO
Matthew Seebach – Senior Manager Youth Work Ireland
Gareth Harteveld – KCYS Youth Work Development Manager
Seamus Whittey – Youth Development Officer KERry ETB
Bishop Ray Browne
Peig O Sullivan – KCYS Family Support Services Co- Ordinator
KCYS SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM
FRONT ROW L – R
Nicola O Sullivan – KCYS Human Resource Manager
Berni Smyth – CEO
Selena Ross- Centre Manager Tralee
BACK ROS L – R
Michelle O’Neill – KCYS UBU Your Place Your Space Project Co-Ordinator
Anne Murphy – KCYS – Youth Information
Ann Brosnan – KCYS Centre Manager Listowel
Linda Kearin – KCYS Youth Justice Project Co – Ordinator
Gareth Harteveld – KCYS Youth Work Development Manager
Nov 15, 2024 | News & Events
Kerry Community Youth Service want to say a big thank you on National Charities Trustee Week.
KCYS would like to thank our amazing Trustees for their time, expertise and commitment. We have just completed a second highly successful round of Board recruitment in the past year.
Very soon, we will be welcoming some excellent new members to our Board. Exciting time ahead and we are in very good hands!!
Nov 11, 2024 | Current Vacancies, News & Events
We are recruiting!!!
KCYS currently have opportunities within Youth Diversion for Youth Justice Practitioners to work with young people, their families, agencies, and the community in the Kerry Division to develop and deliver suitable interventions and supports to young people in the area.
Kerry Community Youth Service (KCYS) has a long history of developing innovative responses to the needs of young people that enhance their lives, their families, and the wider community. In partnership with the Department of Justice and Kerry Gardaí, the service response is based on clear evidence of need informed by Garda crime statistics and evidence-based research in youth justice. The net result is that young people who are most in need of a service will get that service. KCYS Youth Diversion Project further developed the KEY Service to extend to deliver early intervention, family support and court accompaniment service.
This project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
Applications are invited for:
Youth Justice Project Workers
3 posts available, Kerry based, Fixed Term & Specified Purpose Contracts, 35 hours per week, 26 days pro rata annual leave, flexible working, EAP
Applicants require:
- A relevant professional qualification in the human sciences; youth work, community work, family support, social care, social work, childcare, education, or other relevant discipline.
- Minimum 2 year’s relevant work experience.
- Experience in devising, implementing, and evaluating programmes / interventions/responses for ‘at risk’ youth.
- Experience in providing support for ‘at risk’ youth to take positive steps which would enhance their education and employability.
- Fluency in English, both written and verbal.
- Full, clean driver’s license.
Job Description and post requirements available to download here: KDYS Youth Justice Practitioner Job Description 2024
Please submit Curriculum Vitae and cover letter outlining your suitability for the post(s) to humanresources@KCYS.ie on or before:
12 noon, Wednesday 27th November 2024
A panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.
Please note – we reserve the right to close or extend this campaign subject to application numbers.
Therefore, we would urge you to apply as soon as possible
KCYS is an Equal Opportunities Employer — KCYS is a Gold Standard Health Promoting Youth Organisation — KCYS complies with the Governance Code for Community, Voluntary and Charity Organisations in Ireland
Nov 6, 2024 | News & Events
KCYS Killorglin is re-open to welcome all young people.
Ready to connect, explore, and grow? Join us for fun games, tasty snacks, and exciting trips! It’s a great chance to make new friends and create unforgettable memories together.
Check out the days and times below and be part of something amazing!
Every Wednesday
- Secondary Students Drop-In from 1pm – 3pm
- 5th & 6th Class Drop-In from 3:30 – 5pm
- LGBTQ+ Group from 5:30 – 7pm
Every Friday
Sep 16, 2024 | Get Involved, News & Events
We’re thrilled to announce an exciting initiative where young people from two different projects within KDYS are coming together to transform our garden space into a beautiful haven of wellbeing! 🌱✨
This collaborative effort aims to create a sanctuary where both young people and staff can relax, regulate, and ground themselves amidst the calming influence of nature. The revitalized space will offer a much-needed retreat for reflection and connection with the environment.
Project Highlights:
- Collaboration in Action: Our dedicated group of young people from two KDYS projects is working together to bring this vision to life.
- Creative Ideas: The team is incorporating innovative ideas to shape this community space, focusing on elements that promote relaxation and wellness.
- Volunteer Days: Participants will be actively involved in planting, painting, and creating throughout the garden’s transformation.
This project is more than just a garden makeover; it’s about building a shared space where everyone can thrive and fostering collaboration with the young people we work with. Let’s cultivate a place of peace and positivity!
Stay tuned for updates on our progress and ways you can support this wonderful initiative. We can’t wait to see this transformation unfold! 🌷💚
