Programme Review & Project Evaluation
A relationship of respect and trust is nurtured and established between the Youth Work team and young people.
A range of evaluation techniques are applied that involve young people through buzz groups, questionnaires, Individual Volunteer Profiles/Plans and group evaluation / feedback sessions, programme records and project evaluations as well as ongoing and informal feedback from the young people. All programmes are reviewed and evaluated formally at the end of each term.
Staff Training
Staff Training includes the following:
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2 day Restorative Practice training which will inform how we communicate with each other and with young people. It has been hugely beneficial and useful for the team.
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First Aid Training
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Tec space training
Residential weekends
Four residential weekends were delivered during the year and were a real highlight for all of LYCS’s young people. The youth team deliver a variety of programmes including: night games, cycling trips, football, swimming, kite flying and trampoline games along with other group activities. While on residential trips the young people get to:
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take part in a range of outdoor programmes
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gain valuable independence and life skills
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learn to work together as a team through planning every aspect of the weekend including; menu, ground rules, cleaning rota. All the young people have a real voice in planning and have to take on key responsibilities at each residential. Mutual respect is established between the young people, youth work team and volunteers and the young people gain confidence by being away from home and trying new things.
Having the support of the Junior Leaders on each residential trip is hugely positive. Their experience gained on the Youth Work Programme over the years has meant that they are equipped to act as leaders in conjunction with the youth work staff on residential weekends.
Summer Programme
Features of the Summer Programme included:
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Programmes were delivered in the mornings, afternoons and evening/night time.
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Resources used included: LYCS minibus/driver, Network minibus/driver, Sean McDermott St. Swimming pool, Dart Service, LYCS premises, LYCS Adult Programme kitchen, East wall water sports.
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Sessions in East Wall Water Sports Centre where 47 young people availed of kayaking, canoeing, fun and games on the water.
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Weekly swimming sessions.
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The fine weather allowed us the opportunity of very successful day trips e.g. Forty Foot, Malahide Castle, Clara Laragh, Funtasia, Tayto Park, Footie, Pitch & Putt, Driving Range, Go Karts, Pier Jumping, Maze and Glendalough.
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Fishing trips which were enjoyed by all.
Regular Activities Include:
Programme planning and evaluation by staff and young people; Cookery, Arts and Crafts, Group Games, Team Building Games, Peer to Peer Support, Life Skills, Confidence Building, Anti-Bullying Programme, Positive Effective Communication, Listening Skills, Promote Positive Healthy Activities and Healthy Eating.
Special activities run throughout the Year include:
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4-week Summer Programme
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2 x 1-week Midterm Break Programme
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2-week Easter Programme
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Residential Trips
The LYCS Youth Work Programme has the capacity to deal with issues that arise throughout the year in relation to the needs of the community.