Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board supports call for investment and collaboration to transform poverty into potential. President Michael D. Higgins highlights “crucial role” of Youth Work.

Pictured above:  Maria Fox, Longford & Westmeath ETB’s Youth Development Officer, Brian Higgins, LWETB Director of Schools, Youth and Music and Ailbhe Mooney, LWETB Youth Work Support pictured at the ETBI Youthwork Matters Conference 2025

Ireland’s Educations & Training Boards (ETBs), including Longford & Westmeath ETB, have called for sustainable investment in youth services and better collaboration across education, youth services and families to tackle child poverty, school absenteeism and mental health challenges, and to support young people to thrive.

The national Youth Work Matters conference took place in Galway on Thursday 29th of May.  Among the contributors was Mullingar Youth Project, which highlighted the positive impact the project and Grange Utd Football Club has had in the lives of young people and the community in Grange and the wider Mullingar area.

Pictured above: Geraldine Lacy, Martin Keegan, Riona Rooney, Catherine McEntee from Mullingar Youth Project (Youth Work Ireland Midlands) pictured with Longford & Westmeath ETB’s Youth Development Officer, Maria Fox

In a message of support to the 200+ youth work leaders, practitioners and participants attending the event, President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins highlighted the “crucial role” of youthwork: “Its contemporary focus, and it is so important now more than ever, is on those who face particular challenges or who live on society’s margins, young people experiencing economic hardship, social exclusion, or cultural displacement, members of the Traveller community, our migrant communities, LGBTQ+ youth, and all those who may find themselves isolated or vulnerable.”

LWETB administers over €1 million annually which funds youth work programmes and services offering young people the spaces and opportunities to build relationships, explore their identity, develop skills and increase their confidence. Taking many forms – from clubs and groups to specific projects, LWETB funded services reach over 3,000 young people annually across Longford and Westmeath.