www.carlowys.ie Carlow Regional Youth Service

About Us

Carlow Regional Youth Services (CRYS) is a local voluntary service affiliated to Youth Work Ireland. It was set up in 1988 with one part-time worker and its mission was to support and promote community based youth work. We provide direct programmes and services for young people at risk and we support young people by putting their agendas on the agendas of the decision makers. We provide a wide range of services and opportunities through community based youth work programmes, drop in, specialised services for young people at risk, leadership training, etc.

CRYS works with young people aged between 8-23 years. While offering a comprehensive service to young people in the Carlow area, with a community based project in Graiguecullen and John Sweeney Park, Youth Cafe in Burrin Street, there is also a strong focus on surrounding areas such as Tullow, Bagenalstown, Hacketstown and Borris. Partnership is key to our work. To that end we work with a range of other agencies including the HSE, Regional Drugs Task Force, Carlow County Council, Carlow County Childcare Committee , School Completion, to name a few. Our work is primarily divided into three age groups:
• 8-12 year olds- Afterschool /Homework Support, Junior Youth Group Programme, Summer Camp. This accounts for approximately 15% of all of our work.
• 12-18 year olds- Drop in facility, Planned Youth Work Programmes, Youth Participation Programmes, Youth Leadership Training, Specialist Support Services, etc –This accounts for 70% of our overall work.

• 8-23 year olds – Volunteer Training, Youth Work Accredited Training, some services for vulnerable young adults in their social time. This accounts for 15% of our work.

Our Core Values
The approach offered by CRYS is such that it ensures that its work is:
Respectful of young people and founded on a belief that young people can respond to the issues facing them

founded on the needs of young people themselves and a commitment  to ensure their safety and wellbeing

about establishing and maintaining positive relationships with the young people we engage

Informed by a commitment to provide skilled specialised services to young people at risk

Underpinned by the principle of voluntary participation of young people

Inclusive of all young people and strengthened by diversity

Based on continually improving quality in order to develop best practice

Underpinned by mutual respect between colleagues, clients, parents and external agencies

Founded on team work and a professional approach to our work encompassing openness and support between colleagues

Enhanced by a positive approach and pride to our work, a passion for making things better and a good sense of humour where needed!

Based on a commitment to working in partnership with external agencies

CRYS has the following projects:

Follaine Counselling Service
The Follaine Well-being, Counselling and Support Service provides a confidential counselling service for young people from 13-18 years to help them come to terms with problems in their lives.