KCYS
Youth Information
What to do with your spare time…
Want somewhere you can hang out with your friends, have fun, be listened to and learn new stuff? KCYS Youth Cafes are a safe, secure, alcohol-free place where you can come and relax and socialise.
There are KCYS Youth Cafes in Tralee, Killarney, Listowel, Killorglin, Castleisland and Ballybunion.
Find a youth cafe nearest you by clicking here or find us on Facebook
Bullying
Bullying can happen to anyone, anywhere. Bullying is always wrong. If you think you or someone you know is being bullied you can get help. The most important thing is to tell an adult you trust. There are Youth Workers in all the KCYS centres you can talk to. Find your nearest centre here
More information is also available at ie.reachout.com.
You can also call Childline for free 24 hours a day on 1800 66 66 66.
If you’d prefer not to talk you can text TALK or BULLY to 50101. This service is available from 4am to 10am everyday. You can also go to www.childline.ie and click on Chat to Us to talk to someone live online.
Drugs and Alcohol
Do you think you or someone you know may have a problem with drugs or alcohol? If you’re worried about yourself or someone else, the KCYS have two dedicated drug and alcohol workers who can help you. They can be contacted through any KCYS Youth Worker or through any KCYS Youth Club Volunteer. Find your nearest youth centre here
More information is also available at:
www.drugs.ie
www.spunout.ie/health/category/drugs-and-alcohol
www.talktofrank.com
Mental Health
Life can be tough at times, and we all go through ups and downs in our life with family, friendships or school. Good mental health means having the skills and support networks to deal with life’s challenges. If you are finding things tough come and talk to a Youth Worker in any of the KCYS Youth Centres. (links – name, mobile numbers, emails).
You can also free call Samaritans on 116 123
Youth Events, Summer camps,community initiatives
Each year the KCYS run and organise a myriad of youth activities such as youth games, youth factor talent show, KCYS annual Youth Day as well as community initiatives such as youth union, vegetable growing, wreath making and other activities that focus on getting young people connected to and respected by their communities. Nearly every community in Kerry has some level of KCYS engagement. If you would like to find out what’s happening in your community please look at our map here, or contact one of our 5 youth centres.
KCYS Working with Schools
Each year the KCYS run workshops, group programmes and mentoring programmes in secondary schools across Kerry. Together with school staff the KCYS identify the best range of programmes and supports we can offer to secondary school young people. This includes talks on cyber bullying, sexual health and drug and alcohol awareness and other important issues.
If you would like to understand how your school can be involved please email schools@kcys.ie