Clonoulty Rossmore woman and Tipp Mid West Radio presenter Denise Harding is to be the Local Champion for the National Youth Council of Ireland(NYCI). The Local Champions Initiative is a campaign aimed at ensuring increased investment in young people and youth work locally and nationally. Luke O’Gorman from Nenagh will also serve as Local Champion for the county.
The Local Champion is to act as representatives from their communities to engage with their local politicians and champion the cause of youth work. The two young people have received training and support from NYCI to effectively convey the positive impact youth work has on their lives and the lives of young people in the local area, as well as the importance of investing in youth work.
NYCI is calling for an increased investment of €9.4 million in youth work in Budget 2024, to support the rising costs associated with delivering quality services locally, and ensure equal access to youth work for all young people nationwide.
Denise and Niall are hoping to engage with Oireachtas members including TDs Alan Kelly, Jackie Cahill, Martin Browne, Mattie McGrath and Michael Lowry among others.
Ms Harding says there is a lot of great work ongoing to support young people and highlights her own amazing experiences with the likes of the South-East SpunOut Action Panel and the Community Foundation of Ireland.
