May 2014 - Issue 20
Letterkenny Youth Information Centre Newsletter 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny Tel 074-9129640
ECHO Spring / Summer Edition
World Wide Voices: From Africa to Ireland, exploring heritage and culture through music
STAFF PROFILES GARETH GIBSON Gareth started working in the YIC in October 2001 and he has a background in Business Studies, Youth Work and Research. What do you do in the YIC? My job is to coordinate the YIC and the Loft, which involves quite a bit of desk based work, dealing with budgets and funding etc and ensuring we have the best possible services and facilities available for young people to use. What do you like about working for the YIC? Honestly, I like the variety and scope that comes with working in the Youth Service. It’s great to be able to help others and work with young people on so many exciting projects and initiatives. What would be your hopes for the YIC? Apart from the obvious hopes like better funding etc, I just hope that the YIC continues to develop and grow as it has done since 1998, and that the young people that use our service continue to get a lot from it and enjoy coming back again and again.
LOUISE LYNCH Louise began working in February 2013 and has a background in Psychology, Youth Work and Photography. What do you do in the YIC? The role here is so diverse; I do centre based work; taking queries from the public, advocacy, supervising the drop-in, working with the development officers in overseeing our social media, video production, podcasts, newspaper column etc. As part of our out-reach I deliver information sessions around cyber bullying and study skills. Why do you like working for the YIC? The best part of my job is the people. The young people are great and theYIC team is so positive, fun and creative yet work hard and innovative. I love the diversity of the job, the flexibility and how we are allowed to work around what young people want and need.
FRANKIE MC GREEVY Frankie started working at the YIC in March 2002 and he has a background in Politics, Community Youth Work and Restorative Practice
How did you come to work at the YIC? I don’t know I was just visiting my Mom in Letterkenny and spotted the job ad and went for it, I knew there was something different and exciting about the place when I visited before the interview and I am still here 11 years later. What do you do in the YIC? I do Youth Work, this is all about building positive educative relationships with young people individually and in groups, We provide informal education opportunities for young people helping them build confidence, recognise their own strengths and work for positive social change together.
FRANCK SAUCIAN Franck began working in August and has a background in Art, Graphic Design and youth work How did you come to work in the YIC? I was involved with the Loft a few years ago as a drawing workshop facilitator and subsequently did some voluntary work and work on a few project design posters. So when the opportunity of a CE Scheme arose I applied and got the job. What do you do in the YIC? I work as an Assistant Information Officer and part of my job is to provide information to young people and their family about any kind of queries, and I am also involved with the media group, world 11 and the world wide voices project. I have also a background in Art and Graphic Design which came in handy whenever the opportunity arises to design posters for any sort of campaign that we would take on. Why do you like working for the YIC? I really love working with young people, their carefree attitude and the creative ways they have in taking on any situation. I am looking forward to going through the learning process this job is going to provide, and will embrace opportunity to get a better understanding of young people.
ABOUT LETTERKENNY YOUTH INFORMATION CENTRE
The Youth Information Centre is a well established resource for the local community providing Young people and those who work with them a one stop shop for information and training opportunities in the following areas: Job and Housing Lists - Law and Justice - CV Preparation - Travel opportunities - College applications - Student Travel card service - Practice for Driver Theory Test - Leadership training - Media skills training - Drop in service
Letterkenny Youth Information Centre, 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel 0749129640 or email yicletterkenny@donegalyouthservice.ie
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Letterkenny native Sean McFadden was the victor in the Donegal Youth Service QUBE fundraiser last Friday night in the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny. McFadden, who was sponsored to enter the event by TOP Oil &Kernans Diner Drumkeen, beat off stiff competition from over 30 contestants to claim the €4000 prize. McFadden, who is best known for his heroic effort to finish second in Ireland’s first ever 24-hour endurance event recently in Donegal, was victorious in a final round which included Donegal Triathlon Champion Aidan Callaghan, Jason Spence and Paddy Brennan of Letterkenny Shopping Centre. As part of his sponsorship deal from TOP Oil &Kernans Diner Drumkeen, Sean has committed to generously donating €2000 back into Donegal Youth Service and has committed other monies to local cycling charities. The family event, which is based on the hit ITV programme, The Cube, challenges contestants to attempt deceivingly simple tasks in a giant cube. In what was a fun yet tension filled evening numerous local well known and lesser known faces competed against each other in the different games, including election hopefuls James Pat McDaid and Michael McBride, as well as former Donegal county star Brendan Devenney, who represented St Eunans GAA club. The family fun night was aimed at raising money for Donegal Youth Service, who has seen continuous reductions in funding over the last number of years, which have had a harsh impact on their services across the county. Donegal Youth Service would like to extend their thanks to a number of people for helping make the night a success, firstly to the contestants who gathered sponsorship and provided great entertainment on the night to all the generous sponsors including the Clanree Hotel for the venue and for all those who came to support on the night helping to make it a great success.
Donegal Youth Service Plans for 2014 It’s no secret that young people are suffering significantly in the current economic climate with unemployment and emigration at such high levels it is incumbent in organisations such as ourselves to ensure that we are continuing to meet the needs of young people who use our service. This year like other years we will continue to work with young people on employability with an individually tailored approach that works with the young person to develop their skills to improve their employment prospects. Providing one to one support for young people experiencing difficulties is a huge focus of our work and will continue in 2014, issues such as parental separation, stresses at home or school as well as bullying are particularly on the radar for some young people. Providing support and training for youth clubs is key to the work of Donegal Youth Service with over 5000 young people engaged countywide supported by over 500 adult volunteers. Our one to one supported education project is the only project of its kind in Donegal and provides a lifeline to young people who find themselves for various reasons; out of school or struggling at school. This work will continue in 2014 with a focus on building resilience and re-engagement with education. Donegal Youth Service works with young people on a range of issues to help be better informed, to help them to develop their own strengths and challenge attitudes and behaviour. These issues include alcohol and drug use; mental health and well-being, sexual health and sexuality, road safety, community engagement, socialising safely, keeping safe online, racism, lack of education attainment, employability and parental separation.
Cycle Against Suicide Young people, staff and volunteers at the LOFT Youth Project and Donegal Youth Service took part in the 2014 Cycle Against Suicide. ‘Cycle Against Suicide’ is an initiative started by Irish entrepreneur, Jim Breen, as a result of his appearance on RTE’s The Secret Millionaire programme. The main objective of Cycle Against Suicide is to raise awareness of the considerable help and supports that are available for anyone battling depression, self-harm, at risk of suicide or those bereaved by suicide. The project aims to spread a key message “it’s ok not to feel ok, and it’s absolutely ok to ask for help. The national ‘Cycle Against Suicide’ was 1,400 km in total! It starts and finishes in Dublin, travelling around the country, in a clockwise direction, along the coast. Donegal Youth Service is a regional youth service under the umbrella of Youth Work Ireland, one of the partners in the Cycle Against Suicide. On Wednesday the 7th of May the ‘Cycle Against Suicide’ set out from Donegal Town to Derry, via Letterkenny but had to return to Donegal Town due to a tragic accident near Barnesmore Gap involving one of the stewards. We would like to offer our deepest condolonces to the family of Brendan O’Connell and pay tribute to the fantastic volunteering work that he did as part of the Cycle Against Suicide.
EPiiC – Empowering People in Inclusive Integrated Communities The EPiiC programme, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, is a cross border, cross community initiative involving young people from Ballybofey, Castlefinn, Lifford, Glebe and Strabane and the adult leaders working with them. Young people involved in the programme are aged between 15 and 20 and have completed workshops in Minor Games, Sectarianism Awareness, LGBT Awareness and Racism Awareness as well as accredited training in Child Protection Awareness (NYCI), Conflict Resolution (OCN NI), Developing Leadership Skills (OCN NI), Working with Community Groups (OCN NI) and Understanding Diversity (OCN NI). The programme has continued for 20 weeks followed by a two night residential to Gartan Outdoor Education Centre. During the EPiiC programme, adult leaders from Donegal and Tyrone also completed
NQSFVYLG – National Quality Standards for Volunteer Led Youth Groups 2014 will see the implementation of the NQSFVYLG in youth clubs across the country. Donegal Youth Service will be working to support youth clubs in achieving these standards through sharing of information, starting with four cluster meetings across the county. The first cluster meeting took place in the West on Wednesday 14th May in Magheraroarty. The North Cluster will meet on Wednesday 21st May in Donegal Youth Service headquarters in Letterkenny, followed by the Inishowen Cluster on Wednesday 28th May in Cockhill Youth Club and finally the South cluster will meet in Planet Youth, Ballybofey on Wednesday 11th June. This will form the first stage of engagement with NQSFVYLG and will be followed up with individual youth club visits to support the introduction of Quality Standards across all Donegal Youth Service affiliated clubs.
Music Fundraiser
Personal development through music education Project. On Easter Saturday past participants o the Greenroom, Letterkenny from 9.30pm. With Harkin, Callum Keavney and Brendan Mc Glyn performers, to the management and staff in voodo and helped us to raise â‚Ź400 for the LOFT.
Exciting summer ahead
The following life skills programmes are currently June. Transition programme, for 6th class groups secondary school. Stand Tall, life skills developm Tea & Tunes; music mentorship programme for you study group, Thursdays 6pm-8pm. Art space wi skills and a portfolio preparation area, ages 12- 1
The 2014 LOFT summer programme will include week, multi-activity camps and the annual rocksc circus school for young people aged 12 to 18 yea programmes, please contact the LOFT Youth Proje
THE LOFT
is a central part of the work of the LOFT Youth of the LOFT came together to host a fundraiser in performances from Bitter Red, Paul Mooney, Joel nn a great night was had. Thank you to all the oo for their support and to all those who attended
y enrolling and will take place during May and s preparing to make the transition from primary to ment programme for young people aged 12 to 14. oung musicians (ages 12 – 18). Leaving cert maths ith introduction to a range of art techniques and 18.
a wide range of programmes including outdoor chool. We are very excited to announce our first ars. For further details or to enrol on any of these ect on 074-9188271 or email loftstaff@gmail.com
European Voluntary Service is the European Commission’s project that allows a young person to become a volunteer in another European country for between 2–12 months. This is an excellent opportunity for young people between 17 and 30 years of age to do a bit of travelling, live in another country and experience other cultures as well as have the time of your life and gain unforgettable experiences.
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“During my time in Letterkenny I have met so many new people from different and backgrounds. This has opened my mind, which has helped me to be more selfconfident and allowed me to develop personally including a better knowledge of Ireland and the culture. My work in the organisation also gave me the opportunity to teach myself new software skills which are very useful for finding a job in the future. This experience was a good way of learning about myself, and opening my mind about my plans for the future, even with ideas like starting my own projects working The Letterkenny Youth Information Centre office is now our second home EVS. freelance in another country. Of course EVS has improved my European awareness. I andwould audiovisual production. We are also helping updating of the so definitely recommend the EVS experience. I consider it iswith onethe of the best ways http://4evsindys.wordpress.com/), takingI pictures videos of events run b of learning and personal development will neverand have.”
working with the Media Group showing them how to use equipment and hel ANA CACERAS skills. We are having a great time in the office with the staff, volunteers an not everything is about work! We are meeting new people and places and culture in Donegal. We are sure that we will make very good memories over
EVS
Our work here involves design ocial media (including the blog by DYS. We are also enjoying lping them develop their media nd the placement students. But d we are discovering the Irish the next months in Letterkenny!
‘Talking about sex in a healthy way is OK’ Let’s Talk About Sex Week 2014 Donegal Youth Service in association with the Donegal Sexual Health Forum ran the fourth annual ‘Let’s Talk About Sex Week’ on April 7th – 12th. The aim of the week was to promote healthy and supportive conversations with young people about sex, sexual health and sexuality. The focus was to encourage adults to get involved especially parents, family members, teachers, and youth workers. The sexual health awareness week was jammed packed with events such as sexual health programmes, training, Healthy relationships and positive decision makingworkshops, Talking to your child about sex-information days, The ‘S’ word conference, presentations from the Letterkenny STI Clinic and much more. Lorraine Thompson, Regional Director, Donegal Youth Service, said: ‘Let’s Talk about Sex Week was a great success, the events helped create awareness of the importance of talking to young people about their sexual health.
Sex and The Law As part of Let’s Talk About Sex Week, the Youth Information Centre in collaboration with the Letterkenny Institute of Technology launched an information booklet on sex and the law on the 8th of April. The YIC welcomed members of the Donegal Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre and LYIT provided presentations to over 30 people in attendance. This booklet is very important and is the first of its kind produced here in Ireland. It provides information to young people on all sorts of topics around sex and sexual behaviour. Importantly is outlines what the laws around consent are. The booklet is currently in production.
’Love Hurts’ Training A key part of the week was the Donegal Youth Service Love Hurts – Train the Trainers Sexual Health Programme. This is a 2 day training programme for adults already working with Young People and interested in expanding provision into the area of Sexual Health Awareness. Well done to everyone who took part in the training!
“S” Word C
The sexual health awareness week was jammed packed with events such as se making-workshops, Talking to your child about sex-information days, The ‘S’ w Over 80 young people attended The ‘S’ Word Conference was a Sexua provided workshops on; STI’s and Contraception; Social Media & Sexual and X Rated – The impact of sexual violence in the media. John Buc and Online Safety’. Young people gave very positive feedback on th
Conference
exual health programmes, training, healthy relationships and positive decision word conference, presentations from the Letterkenny STI Clinic and much more. al Health Conference for young people aged 15-17years. The conference Behaviour; Taking the Blindfold off- Early signs of abuse in relationships ckley from Spunout provided the keynote address entitled 窶郎oung People he content, issues covered and engaging interaction of the facilitators.
Donegal Youth Council have launche
This website to link all the services that exist in relation to Sexual Health in Donegal and related services in the county.This website, which can be found at www.sham.ie, which sta “Sexual Health and More” and was developed by a subgroup of the Donegal Youth Cou aged 16+ as a way of informing young people and adults better in the county about both l after their own sexual health and also what services are there should they find themselve moment of personal crisis.
The site also features a number of groups who provide education and resources in relation Councillors, which are aimed at giving people a better understanding of what exactly hap
There are also a useful links section to the website, which will direct users to a number of H
Gemma Lynch is the Deputy Chairperson of the Donegal Youth Council and has been heav
“We took it on as a project to look at addressing this and over the last few months we hav really useful resource where people can find out more about all these services that are doin
ed their new Sexual Health Website!
d other ands for uncil all looking es in a
to sexual health in the county.It also has reviews of a number of services written by Youth ppens if you chose to or need to access one of the services.
HSE approved sexual health information websites.
vily involved in the development of the website.
ve worked to create the SHAM site. We are really proud of it and we hope it becomes a ng important work in the county.�
A huge congatulations to the winners of the Youth Information Centre’s Wellness Week photo competition., Georgina Montgomery, Layla Kuper, Matthew Doogan and Wiki Szymajda. The idea behind the competition was to capture everyday images of things that make us happy and make us feel well.
Photo Clockwise: Geargina Montgomery, Wiki Szymajda, Layla Kuyper, Matthew Doogan.
2014
St Patrick’s Day Donegal Youth Service ran their annual St. Patricks Day campaign trying to encourage groups/clubs and projects to organise alcohol free events on St. Patricks day. As we are all aware it is very much an alcohol focused day and as a result young people tend to get a lot of bad press for underage drinking. There are a lot of groups that take part in parades throughout the county on the day but what happens after the parade? Where do the young people go? Lorraine Thompson Regional Director said’ “I think a bit of joined up working would have a real impact, whether you can offer a specific alcohol free event in your area or simply a few hours of drop-in on the afternoon/evening after a parade on St Patricks Day, we can send out a strong message to young people that they can celebrate St Patricks day in an alcohol-free way” On St Patricks Day Donegal Youth Service took part in the Letterkenny parade along with the Intercultural Group and afterwards hosted a really successful multicultural St Patricks Day party for young people and their families. The event lasted all evening with food, music and lots of fun.
‘Letterkenny Wellness Week – Promoting a sense of Wellness’ The Letterkenny Community Health Forum organised an exciting event and activity packed week this Easter April 21st – 27th. The aim of ‘Letterkenny Wellness Week’ is to promote a sense of wellness amongst the community by showcasing events and activities through the involvement of local groups and individuals. Wellness Week was jammed packed with lots of free events for all ages, one of the many events on the calendar was the ‘WOW Day – Wednesday of Wellness’, which will be held in the RCC, Letterkenny and hosted multiple information stands such as holistic therapy demonstrations, stress management techniques, support groups and much much more. Gary Glennon, LYFS said ‘This is a fantastic positive initiative that everyone can get involved in throughout the wellness week. It’s also such a positive and fun way for families to fill their Easter Holidays especially when most of the events are free.’ We are all already looking forward to wellness week 2015!
Wellness week at the LOFT The LOFT hosted an introduction to mindfulness techniques for young people during wellness week which offered young people to learn some key techniques for managing stress and boosting mental health. The facilitator, Aoife Valley, took participants through a range of brief mindfulness exercises. The feedback from the group was very positive with participants reporting that they felt “very chilled out” and “like they’d just had a nap”. We look forward to hosting more mindfulness events in the summer programme.
The third annual BreakOUT Donegal ‘Chalk it up!’ event took place at the Market Square in Letterkenny on Saturday, 8th March. Participants wrote messages that stand up for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) people and that take a stand against homophobic bullying using colourful chalk on pavement in the square.The event, which was held in conjunction with the national BeLong To organisation’s Stand Up! LGBT Awareness Week featured free face painting, hot chocolate, snacks and live music. “It’s was a good, fun-filled couple of hours when people from all walks of life who believe in equality – including families, old people, and young people – took a stand alongside their LGBT friends and family members,” said Sinead Murray, Co-ordinator of the BreakOUT Donegal LGBT Youth Group. The group, which was founded by Donegal Youth Service in 2009 as a safe, fun space for LGBT young people aged 16 to 23, meets weekly in Letterkenny and Buncrana. A brand new aspect of Chalk It Up this year was the participation by 8 of the 22 secondary schools in Donegal, which made noticeboards on school premises available for pro-LGBT and anti-homophobia messages during Stand Up! Week. According to statistics, 10 per cent of the students in any school’s population are LGBT so what these eight schools did was create a safe and supportive environment for those students and let them know it’s OK to be LGBT.
For more information about Chalk It Up, BreakOUT Donegal, or the Stand Up! LGBT Awareness Week, please ring Sinead Murray on (086) 124 7968 or Donegal Youth Service on (074) 912 9630.
Donegal Youth Council are to receive a major European Award
In recognition for one of their major projects from last year. The 2013 SPARKS Mental Health Roadshow was selected as the 2014 winner of the Assembly of European Regions “Most Youth Friendly European Region” Special Award. The Assembly of European Regions is made up of 230 regions from across 35 European countries and present this award every consecutive year to a particular project as a means of acknowledging best practice in youth participation and involving young people in democratic life. The award jury met in Brussels last week where they selected the Donegal group’s project as the overall winner. A delegation from Donegal Youth Council will travel to Poland at the end of May for an Award Ceremony which coincides with the annual AER General Assembly. As part of the prize the group will travel to Jönköping in Sweden in June to present their Annual AER Youth Regional Network project. Donegal Youth Council’s chairperson Shane Hegarty says the group were excited and delighted to have been selected as winners of this prestigious award. “We entered this prestigious competition knowing that there was great competition from so many other regions of Europe but we knew that our SPARKS Mental Health Roadshow was very special and successful as we put a lot of time and effort into it. It is great to be acknowledged at European level and we have more strategies to look forward to with pride and confidence. “This is an amazing honour and achievement, not just for Donegal Youth Council and its supporters, but for County Donegal and the whole country. We believe that we have created a great legacy regarding mental health and we hope that young people especially will benefit from their various struggles in life.” Áine Mc Laughlin was Chairperson of the group during the roadshow and stated that it is a credit to all the Youth Councillors for what they have achieved. “What started off as just an idea of ours has grown into a huge and important project, and a successful one at that! We are over the moon with excitement. It just goes to show what you can achieve with hard work, dedication and with your heart in the right place.”
Help Donegal Youth Service help Donegal young people! Are you involved in a group or business that may be planning to do a charitable fundraiser? Why not consider Donegal Youth Service as your chosen charity? Donegal Youth Service provides a very wide range of services for young people; from the young person who goes to their local Friday night youth club in a small village to a young person who needs help finding a job, to a person who has dropped out of school due to severe social anxiety and needs one to one educational support. Donegal Youth Service is a charity and whilst it receives some government funds it is heavily reliant on the generous donations of the public to ensure that our vital services for young people are maintained. The service receives statutory funding for its projects but this has been reduced by almost 40% in the last 5 years. We are a locally managed service by a voluntary board of management and work with young people in their local areas and our funds are all allocated locally. If you would like to help Donegal Youth Service we would love to hear from you. Call into our offices on 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny or call us on 074 9129630 or email lorraine.thompson@donegalyouthservice.ie.
Volunteering Opportunities If you would like to contribute in a different way perhaps you would consider volunteering your time. Donegal Youth Service works with over 5000 young people countywide and we are always looking for volunteers. Volunteers are vital to Donegal Youth Service programmes to young people. We have a wide range of programmes, projects and youth clubs that require volunteers to keep them going. If you had a few hours to spare you could help run your local club or get involved in organising a fundraiser for your local club. If you are interested in voluntary work with Youth Work Ireland you should contact DYS for an application form. This should be completed and returned to the Youth Service. All applicants are required to participate in a selection process which is designed to assess their suitability to work with young people. Please note all volunteers are Garda vetted. Once you have completed this process and been formally accepted by DYS, you will receive orientation or induction training, engage in a consultation about the role and responsibilities you are about to take on, and be provided with support for your first steps into the world of youth work!
Take on a challenge and make a difference with Donegal Youth service Donegal Youth service are asking people to help build a brighter future for all our young people by joining Team DYS this year for any sporting event or challenge. Anyone can join and take part in any event of their choice and raise money for Donegal Youth Service while achieving their goals. Donegal Youth Service is appealing to everyone regardless of fitness level for this campaign, whether a seasoned marathon runner or someone who enjoys a fun day out. So whether your aim is complete the Flora Mini marathon, Dublin marathon or any other sporting event you can think of Team DYS would be proud to have you join our ranks and together we can help equip young people for whatever life holds. Run, walk, climb, hop, swim, dance, jiggle, cycle, crawl or do a marathon dressed as Elvis, it doesn’t matter which event you do as everyone involved in Team DYS will be helping to ensure that Every young person has the opportunity to get Tools For Life and change communities!
YIC LETTERKENNY SERVICES & PROGRAMMES INFO AVAILABLE ON: • • • • • • • •
Employment Rights & Entitlements Understanding Tax CV Preparation Interview Preparation Job Seeking Skills Dealing with conflict in the workplace Self Assessment Participation is FREE
For more information contact: Letterkenny Youth Information Centre on 074-9129640
DROP IN HOURS The YIC drop in continues to open until 6pm Monday to Thursday, while we are open to 5pm on Fridays. The Loft drop-in remains open until 8pm on Wednesday and Thursdays and opens from 5-10pm on Fridays, as well as 2-6pm on Saturdays.
YOUTH MEDIA GROUP The Youth Media Group meets Tuesday evenings from 6-8pm. If you would like to get involved contact a member of staff now.
OUTREACH IN SCHOOLS Letterkenny YIC are reguarly providing outreach in different schools across the town and county. We offer workshops in a range of areas including peer mentoring, school council training, internet safety workshops, study skills & much more. Contact the centre if you feel we could be of benefit to your school.
EURODESK Thinking of travelling, working or volunteering in Europe. Letterkenny YIC are your local Eurodesk Relay. We have access to lots of European Information so give us a call today.
STUDENT TRAVEL CARD Letterkenny Youth Information Centre is an agent for the Student Travel Card. We can process your card for you in the centre. Log on to www.studenttravelcard.ie for more details on the discounts on offer.
WEEKLY ACCOMMODATION & EMPLOYMENT LIST
Our weekly employment and accommodation lists for Letterkenny can now be accessed online. See www.donegalyouthservice.ie/yic for more details.
SOCIAL MEDIA At the Youth Information Centre we are making full use of the social media networks available to us to allow our service users to keep up to date with everything we do. Social media has revolutionised the way the information centre works; we can communicate instantly with people and events and groups can be organised and communicated with effortlessly. Follow us on twitter @yicletterkenny, check out our Tumblr page and our Youtube channel. Our EVS volunteers have been documenting their experiences here in Ireland, you can find their tales on www.evsletterkenny.wordpress.com And finally like us here on Facebook where we keep you up to date with all of our work and events.