Local young people recognised at Celebration Event

 A Young Girls Group receive certificates at the Youth Celebration event

Nearly 150 young people from the Upper Springfield area attended a Youth Celebration event that recognised their achievements and participation in local youth programmes over the last 12 months.

The awards event and dinner, organised by Upper Springfield Development Trust’s Youth Team in partnership with Newhill Youth Club and Glor Na Mona, was held locally in the Trinity Lodge, West Belfast.

Upper Springfield’s Youth Team Manager, Niall Enright, welcomed everyone to the event before certificates were presented to 146 young people who attend youth groups in the Upper Springfield area. Over the last 12 months, young people from these groups have been involved in a wide variety of projects, from personal development programmes to accredited OCN courses.

One young person spoke of how proud they were to attend last night’s Youth Celebration Event. Tammy-Louise O’Neill from New Barnsley in West Belfast has been involved in youth programmes in the Upper Springfield area since she was 14 years old. Tammy-Louise said:

“I am really excited to be here at the Youth Celebration event with all these local young people, many of whom are now my close friends. I started getting involved in youth programmes at Newhill Youth Club a few years ago and I really see the benefit of taking part. Young people complain that there is nothing to do, but in this area there is lots for our young people to do.” 

“I have been involved in a number of personal development programmes over the years and these have really helped build my confidence; I have also recently completed my Level 2 OCN in Youth Work. The youth group gets me out of the house, off social media, and out making friends. It’s really helped with my self-esteem and confidence, so much so that I want to apply to go to university next year and do a degree in Youth Work”.

Young people from the Upper Springfield Positive Art Programme at the Youth Celebration event, with staff from Ark Housing (far left and right).

 

Glor Na Mona Youth Club at the Youth Celebration event.

The night closed with remarks from Upper Springfield Development Trust’s CEO, Donal McKinney, who said:  “Every young person here at tonight’s Youth Celebration Event should be very proud of taking part in all the clubs and groups that this community has to offer. Upper Springfield Development Trust is delighted to support these youth groups in our community and we are very proud of all the young people here tonight.  You have shown to be a committed member of this community and we are delighted to congratulate your participation and achievements over the last 12 months.”

If you are interested in taking part in youth programmes in the Upper Springfield area please contact the Upper Springfield Youth Team on 02890236677 or email n.enright@usdt.co.uk.

The ‘Out and About’ Lads Group receive certificates from Tammy-Louise O’Neill

 

Young people from the Youth Leadership Group with their certificates, received at the Youth Celebration event

 

Newhill Juniors Group at the Youth Celebration Awards