Budget24 – Call on our Government to invest in youth

We’ll be sending the letter to your local newspaper to make sure your local TDs get the message and tell the Government that we need to invest in Ireland’s young people in Budget 2024.

See the full text of the open letter

 

Here’s why your signature matters

It is a hard time for young people. COVID-19 impacted their mental health and social connections, and now, the cost-of-living crisis means many are struggling financially.

Nearly one in two young people recently told us they are struggling to make ends meet. 

Youth work organisations also say that deprivation among young people they work with is on the rise.  

“Young people are arriving at the services cold, hungry and in need of food. Families are also arriving at the services as they don’t have money to provide food for their children and young people and can’t afford to pay bills.”

What can be done?

Youth work services can support young people at this challenging time.

Youth workers are a lifeline during this cost-of-living crisis, particularly for those who have the least. The wide range of activities provided by youth organisations support young people in their personal and social development, positive mental health, physical wellbeing, job skills and much more.  

The need for youth services is growing dramatically as young people and their communities feel the effects of the cost-of-living crisis.

Taking a stand against cost-of-living pressures

The rising cost of living is also placing huge strain on youth work organisations. Our recent survey reveals that nearly 3 in 5 organisations struggle to deliver vital youth work services because of inflation. 

Many are also forced to step in to help young people with basic needs like food.

Your support can make the difference by urging the Government to provide the necessary resources for these organisations to meet the growing needs of young people.

We’re calling on the Government to invest an additional €9.4m in youth work services in Budget 2024, to provide more supports and activities for young people and meet the needs of our growing youth population.

Stand Up, Sign Up, Spark Change

Will you sign our open letter, and stand up for young people?

How it works

We’ll send this letter to the leading local paper in every county in Ireland in the weeks leading up to the Budget. Your name will be added to the signatures for your county. By doing this, we’ll  make sure that the message is loud and clear across the country: Government must fund youth work in Budget 2024.