Youth Affairs

What is the purpose of the Youth Work Act 2001?

The Youth Work Act 2001 provides a framework for the provision of youth work programmes and services by the Minister of Education and Vocational Education Committees.

What are the Roles / Functions?

Functions of the Minister include

• development and co-ordination of youth work programmes and services (including co-ordination of youth work with other services for young people)
• financial support
• research, monitoring and assessment of programmes and services

Functions of VECs include:

• providing assistance, including financial assistance, to youth work organisations
• preparation and implementation of Youth Work Development Plan (Three Years)
• drafting annual youth work budgets
• reporting on youth work services to the Minister
• establish a Youth Work Committee to advise and make recommendations to the VEC on the performance of its youth work functions
• Youth Work Committee to have a membership of 16-20 members, comprising in equal numbers
  • persons nominated by relevant statutory agencies, including the VEC itself, and
  • nominees of the Voluntary Youth Council
• Voluntary Youth Council will
  • advise on matters related to the Youth Work Development Plan
  • act as a forum for voluntary youth organisations
  • consist of 10-20 members (20% under 25)
  • elected in accordance with directions issued by VEC (following receipt of regulations and guidelines from Minister after consultation with National Youth Advisory Committee)

Registration of youth work clubs and groups

Youth work clubs and groups are currently being invited to apply to register with County Sligo VEC. To do this, simply complete and return the registration form (available below).

Why should my youth group register with the VEC?

The Youth Work Act requires the VEC to coordinate youth work in the county. Under the Act, all youth groups who want to access grants and support from the VEC must first be registered. Registering with the VEC will also give you a voice on the upcoming Voluntary Youth Council and access to information and support. When groups are registered, it will also help the VEC to meet youth needs in the entire county and will support our case for additional resources to be provided.

Is my group eligible to apply for registration with the VEC?

Youth work groups are eligible to apply for registration with the VEC. Sports groups are not eligible. This normally includes groups such as the following: Youth clubs Scouts, etc. Special interest youth work groups A full list of registration conditions is contained at the back of registration application form.

How do I apply to register my group with the VEC?

Complete and return the Application Form for Registration click here to download. Completed forms should be returned to: Youth Officer, County Sligo VEC, Quay Street, Sligo

If you have any questions or would like some help with the form:

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like any help with this form. The Youth Officer can provide assistance by telephone or by calling out in person. Contact: Trevor Sweetman, Youth Officer, Co. Sligo VEC, Quay Street, Sligo Ph. 071-9141262 / 087-7678327 / Email tsweetman[at]sligovec.ie

Local Youth Club Grant Scheme

The Local Youth Club Grant Scheme aims to support aims to support voluntary youth club activities at local level.

Details of the scheme for this year were announced by the Office of the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs just before Christmas ’09 and the scheme is being administered locally by the VEC.

The scheme is intended to support the work of volunteer-led youth groups in the county, with a particular focus on those with members aged 10-21 years.  If you would like your group to be considered for funding from this grant scheme, please complete and return the grant application form by 26th February 2010 (please note that late applications can not be accepted).

An Information Leaflet and Application Form for the scheme are available to download below.  Copies of the form are also available from the VEC offices, or by email from tsweetman[at]sligovec.ie.

If you would like any assistance with the form or if you have any questions, please do feel free to get in touch with the Youth Officer, Trevor Sweetman.  Assistance can be provided by telephone or by arranging for the Youth Officer to call to your group.

 Points to note in relation to the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme:

Priority is given to groups with members between the ages of 10 and 21 years.

Groups must be volunteer led and operated.  This grant scheme is not open to staff-led groups.

In cases where there is more than one section in a group (e.g. Scout Group with Cubs, Beavers and Venturers / youth club with Junior and Senior sections), only one application should be made for the combined group as a whole.  (Please note however that the numbers in the whole group will be taken into account when any grant is allocated.)

Please note that sports clubs are not eligible for funding under the terms of this scheme.  Such groups should contact the Sport & Recreation Partnership.

 Closing date for receipt of applications:

26^th February 2010 (please note that late applications can not be accepted).

 Downloads:

Download Information Leaflet on Local Youth Club Grant Scheme.

Download Application Form for Local Youth Club Grant Scheme.

 Contact details for further information or assistance:

If you have any queries on this grant scheme, please feel free to get in touch with Youth Officer, Trevor Sweetman, ph. 071-9145025 / 087-7678327 / email tsweetman[at]sligovec.ie.

Who do I contact?

Further details are available from the Committee's Youth Affairs Section: