By Crystal Reaney
The National Lottery Good Causes Awards celebrate the incredible efforts of caregivers, volunteers, and organisations across Ireland, recognising their contributions to improving their communities. This year, 35 national finalists have been selected across seven categories: Health and Well-Being, Heritage, Sport, Youth, Arts and Culture, Community, and the Irish Language. The winners will be announced at a gala awards dinner in October 2024.
In the Youth category, the finalists offer vital support and opportunities to young people throughout Ireland. In addition to Involve Youth Project Meath, the nominees include:
- Blue Box Creative Learning Centre – Limerick: A safe space where young people use creative arts therapies to process emotions and heal from trauma.
- Belong To LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland – Dublin: A key service offering support, advocacy, and education to help LGBTQ+ youth thrive.
- Doras Buí – Dublin: A community resource centre supporting one-parent families with high-quality programmes and services, enabling them to reach their full potential.
- The Sexual Health Centre – Cork: Pioneers of the Sexual Health Hubs, delivering comprehensive sexual health services and information to young people in Cork City.
These finalists represent the best in youth-focused organisations, significantly impacting young people’s lives across Ireland. The winners will be revealed in October, celebrating the achievements of Involve Youth Project Meath and all the other deserving finalists.
Involve Youth Project Meath, one of Involve CLG’s six youth projects, has been selected as a finalist for its work with the Traveller community. Funded under the UBU scheme by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY), and partly supported by the National Lottery, the project has gained recognition for its exceptional Erasmus+ work and youth exchanges. This Traveller-specific initiative empowers young Travellers through education and training programmes, promoting their participation and inclusion in society.
