How to find youth groups in your local area

If you would like to join a youth group there are plenty of options around the country for you. This article covers a sample of groups that are available for young people to join. If none of the clubs below are of interest to you your best option is to Google what you are looking for. It is also a good idea to check local County Council websites for information on youth groups in your area. If you cannot find the specific type of group that you are looking for why not be adventurous and try joining something new which is outside of your comfort zone.

Find the youth group right for you

Joining a youth group is a great opportunity to meet people with shared interests in your community, have fun and to make friends. If you are feeling nervous about taking part maybe reach out to a leader in the group before you go and they should be happy to answer any questions you may have.

LGBTI+ Youth Groups

If you are looking to find an LGBTQ+ youth group or support group, you can find information on websites of LGBT Ireland and Belong To. Belong To provides LGBTQ+ youth groups or spaces where LGBTQ+ young people can hang out, get support, and share experiences throughout the country. They also support a number of LGBTQ+ youth groups that are run by organisations such as Youth Work Ireland and Foróige. You can find your nearest LGBTQ+ youth group by visiting the Belong To website. If there is not an LGBTI+ youth group listed that is near to you, you can contact the group that is closest to where you live, ask if they know of any groups in your area or if they arrange transport for young people who do not live locally to the group.

Traveller Youth Groups

Pavee Point offer a variety of programmes, including a Heritage Programme, Arts and Culture Programme, and Mental Health Programme, for people in the Traveller community. For more information on Traveller-specific youth services, visit the Pavee Point website, call 01 8780255, or email [email protected].

Foróige Youth Groups

Foróige is one of Ireland’s leading youth organisations. The organisation currently operates in 26 counties in Ireland. They have more than 600 Foróige Clubs, 150 Youth Projects, 11 skill-building youth programmes, and community-based mentoring. If you would like to join a Foróige Club or Programme near you, visit the Foróige website for more information.

Deaf Youth Groups

If you are interested in joining a youth group for deaf people, The Irish Deaf Youth Association may be a good option. The IDYA has youth groups all around Ireland for young people who are deaf or hard of hearing. For more information on becoming a member of the IDYA or joining a youth group, visit their Facebook page, send a text to 0851984166, or email [email protected].

The Scouts

The Scouts aim to develop the social, physical, intellectual, character, emotional & spiritual growth of their members according to their own abilities and particular interests. If you are aged between 15-17 and looking to join the Scouts you can join the Venture Scouts. Venture Scouts are for people of all genders and you do not need to have previous scouting experience to join. Find out more information on Venture Scouts.

If you are aged between 18-25 you can join the Rover Scouts. People of all genders can join Rover Scouts and you do not need to have previous experience. Not all scout groups in Ireland will have a Rover section but many third level colleges will have Rover Socs. Find out more information on Rover Scouts.

Youth Groups as Gaeilge (in Irish)

If you are looking to join a youth group which is run as Gaeilge (in Irish), Ógras may be a good choice. Ógras is the Irish Language Youth Organisation for eight to 19 year olds. They run clubs through Irish around the country both in and outside the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking areas in Ireland). Visit the Ógras website for more information on how to join your local Irish speaking youth group.

Alcohol free clubs

The No Name! Club is a youth group for people over the age of 15 who want to engage in activities together without drugs or alcohol. The clubs are run for and by young people. Its members make friends, enjoy social outings have great fun in a warm, friendly and healthy environment. They do this without the use of alcohol and other drugs. There are over 20 No Name! Clubs around Ireland. To find your local club, visit the No Name! website.

Need more information, advice or guidance?

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