Letter from the Editor

I have been a member of this place – Youth Work Ireland Laois – for three and a half years now, and have been the Editor of this newspaper for just over a year. At some point in all our lives we must find our own new beginning, and I couldn’t be more hopeful or trustful than I am leaving this project in the hands of its current team who can only be described as the most talented young people I’ve had the privilege of meeting. This newspaper will continue to grow and mould throughout the What a year. Our third issue very much reflects the desire I think we are all feeling to leave this year behind and move on to better things, and that is exactly where our theme of New Beginnings comes from. In these pages you’ll find stories of those new beginnings, journeys began and journeys continued, and, as always, the unmoving talent of the young people we are

lucky to be surrounded by. oncoming years as new teams are formed and new Editors take their place on this page. It cannot be understated, however, the talent, dedication, skill, pure stubbornness and love the first team members have shown since October 2019 through to right now, despite having to deal with the toughest circumstances.

This issue represents every young person who joined this project at some point or another because they wanted to both share their own stories as well as listen to what others had to say. So, to Aoife, Marta, Jill, Mac, Aaron, Katie, Niamh, Bridget, Carly, Nate, and Ali – you have been the foundational pillars to this project and have all given purpose to something that can be so important to young people who need their voices heard; for that, us oldies will be forever grateful.

Without further delay, please enjoy another issue showcasing just what this generation is capable of.