Clare Youth Service seeks public support

MAYOR of Clare Pat Hayes and TV presenter Bláthnaid O’Donoghue have been enrolled as the first patron and friend of Clare Youth Service in a new sponsorship scheme that gives parents, young people and businesses an opportunity to support youth services in the county.
Clare Youth Service currently operates 68 projects in 25 locations throughout the county. These include music projects, youth clubs, certified training, information points, youth cafés, justice work and education programmes.
Some of this work is under threat in the current economic climate and the organisation has restructured internally in order to address cutbacks. It is now asking the wider community to help maintain its core frontline services.
Individuals and companies can become a patron for a donation of €50 or become a friend for €20. Friends will receive a car sticker, while patrons will receive a certificate for their business premises or home, in addition to the car sticker.
CYS chairperson Michael Byrne explained, “There have obviously been serious cutbacks in recent years but we are grateful for the continued support from taxpayer sources. We took an early lead in working with staff to cut hours and rationalise structures where possible. This has led to significant savings but we are at the point whereby frontline services will suffer if income is not increased.
“Clare Youth Service has been operating for 43 years. As well as the tens of thousands of young people that have been involved, there have been 2,000 volunteers since 1969. 1,200 young students have received an academic qualification leading to jobs or further training since 1982. In 1986, the Youth Information Service started and has since answered 250,000 queries for young people on important topics. Today, there are 68 youth clubs and projects in the county.
“The need for our services is increasing as many young people face the effects of recession for the first time in their lives.  We are hopeful that the many thousands in the wider youth service community will do what they can to help,” he said.
Mayor of Clare Pat Hayes is the first patron of the scheme. “As mayor, I am delighted to highlight the contribution of Clare Youth Service over the past 43 years. Their presence has enriched community life throughout the county by encouraging our youth and training our adult volunteers.
“In these times we need to back our youth as much as possible and especially to support those with a proven track record in working with them. I am proud to back this venture and would encourage as many Clare people and businesses to become a friend or patron of the Clare Youth Service.”
TV presenter Bláthnaid O’Donoghue took part in CYS summer camps before making her way in the worlds of TV and fashion. She has enrolled as a friend and is enthusiastic in her backing for the venture.
“Clare Youth Service was a part of my formation that I look back on with great fondness. There was fun, leadership opportunities and a safe place for growth and self-expression.
“The world has become a more confusing and perhaps less optimistic place for young people over the past few years and so we need strong youth organisations more than ever. I am delighted to be a friend of CYS and hope that the many others who benefitted as I did will take the opportunity to give their support,” she said.
To enrol as a friend or patron of Clare Youth Service, contact 065 6845350 or online at www.clareyouthservice.org.