Integr8 booklet Integr8 is a resource guide which has been developed to increase awareness of needs, desire and wants of young people with physical disability. It is designed to help all young people, youth leaders and all those involved in managing youth work to include young people with physical disability.

Spirit Youth Service brochure An information leaflet about Youth Services available in the South East area, along with contact details and how to join.

About SPIRIT

The past couple of years have been very exciting for youth involvement in IWA. Spurred on by the dramatic growth in youth membership, a new youth structure, named SPIRIT, was launched in 2003 to ensure young people get their voices heard within the Association. SPIRIT is now recognised within IWA, the disability sector and the mainstream youth work sector as a valuable youth service.

How SPIRIT works

The purpose of SPIRIT is to give young people with physical disabilities an opportunity to design youth activities in their own area, with the support of IWA staff, resources, facilities and volunteers. SPIRIT consists of local committees that are run by young people. These local committees address issues relating to young people, organising activities and taking on relevant issues within their communities.

Around the country

IWA has youth programmes and clubs at IWA centres around the country. Active youth clubs now exist in locations such as Wexford, Mullingar, Tullamore, Limerick, Manorcunningham, Kilkenny and Dublin. In Cork, a joint initiative to provide services for youth groups has been undertaken by IWA, involving the MS Society and Enable Ireland. Each year, youth camps (social and developmental holidays) are held at locations such as Cuisle Holiday Centre.

Links

IWA's youth services have links with Foroige, the national youth organisation, at regional level, with strong partnerships established in Cork and Dublin. IWA also places representatives on National Youth Council of Ireland working groups addressing the issues of equality and discrimination.

How you can get involved

If you would like to get more information about a SPIRIT Group in your area, then please contact youth.dublin@iwa.ie. Alternatively, ring your nearest regional office