Hi my name is Criostal Hennessy I am a Youth Worker working for an organisation called Ossory Youth. Ossory Youth is a voluntary, not for profit organisation working with and for young people in the Diocese of Ossory, covering Kilkenny and parts of Laois and Offaly. 

Ossory Youth has a strong track record of service delivery in Kilkenny. Youth organisations are safe spaces for young people and consequently this setting acts as a suitable environment for addressing their needs and interests. Participation of young people is by and large informal, developmental, voluntary and relationship based.  Interventions are guided by the needs, interests and abilities of young people and all work is evidence informed and logic modelled. Underpinning all approaches are the principles of social inclusion, equality, equity and empowerment.  Methodologies include group work, one to one work, issue-based programmes, open access points, outreach, special interest and activity based programmes. Communication and support of parents and relevant agencies is a key component to the work.   

We provide a safe space for young people to socialise, increase their resilience, wellbeing and positive mental health. It is a place to explore their own identity to be challenged on their attitudes and beliefs and to be more open, inclusive and accepting of each other. Young people are supported to build their self-esteem, confidence, communication skills, planning, problem solving and to be creative.  We run programmes that provide factual information that will empower young people to make more informed life choices. Young people develop many life skills being part of the group and may not realise as activities are done through a fun informal way. 

Youth Organisations act as a suitable environment for addressing the issue of healthy lifestyles.  The area of health and active lifestyle has been increasingly identified as an important issue in youth work. It is really important as youth workers that we lead by example and practice what we preach.  

I have decided to take part in the VHI Women’s Mini  Marathon this year . This year we can’t make the trip to Dublin, so I will be taking part in a 10k route closer to home. It is essential to have an enjoyable experience of physical activity and place a positive value on exercise. I look forward to integrating more physical activity into my weekly routine. I cant wait to feel a  great sense of accomplishment after completing the run, feel inspired, energised and develop a stronger, healthy relationship with exercise.

Ossory Youths website can be assessed on OssoryYouth.com