Meet Our Newest Staff

Meet the Newest Staff Members of Youth work Ireland Laois

Hi! I’m Natalie the Positive Laois Co-ordinator. This involves co-ordinating different programmes for young people, such as life skills, holistic wellbeing, and resilience. I started working at YWI Laois in December 2018. I definitely miss the face-to-face interactions with young people. In person we could have a cup of coffee and chats, however I think we have adjusted to online youth work quite well.

During the first lockdown in particular, I really enjoyed the Murder Mystery games that our young people Saoirse, Niamh and Ali created. It was a nice break from the seriousness of the pandemic, and we could just have a bit of a laugh together. It is both sad and happy watching a young person grow up and move onto the next chapter of their life. I feel proud watching young people achieve their goals. Compared to other organisations, we are a small team, but we have big aspirations.

Hi! I’m Jimmy the Laois Youth Traveller Worker, and I also work with the YVY Press team. I started working here in September 2020. It has been a bit of a struggle adjusting to online youth work. I’d love to meet young people in person, but I know it’s more important that we all feel safe. It’s difficult starting a new job anyway, but even more so when you’re trying to get to know young people through a computer screen. I love being able to put a smile on someone’s face when they have been feeling down. The talents, vibrancy, and enthusiasm that young people have are quite amazing to see. We are constantly coming up with new ideas and plans to connect with more young people in Laois.