Youthnet launches New Support Hub
The Trust’s Julie Harrison spoke at the launch of a new Collaborative Support Hub, which was part funded through the Collaboration Enabling Fund.
Youthnet, the Voluntary Youth Network for Northern Ireland launched the new service which will offer training, information, practical resources and one-to-one support across a range of areas.
There will be an initial focus on the delivery of Good Governance training and support to voluntary management committees.
This 18 month pilot programme is a partnership initiative, supported by the Regional Voluntary Headquarter Organisations and Education and Library Boards (ELBs) and is funded by the Trust and the Youth Council for Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the launch, Education Minister John O’Dowd said:“The youth service relies on the contribution of over 20,000 volunteers to deliver a wide variety of services and activities for young people.
“Volunteers extend the resources of youth organisations, bringing energy and new opportunities which make a positive contribution to the development of many young people lives.
“I have had the privilege of meeting many of these volunteers and I have found their dedication and passion inspiring.
“Youthnet plays a significant role in providing support to the Voluntary Youth Sector. The development of this Pilot scheme is an example of their work to empower and equip an extensive, vibrant youth service".
Youthnet Chair Nichola Lynagh commented: “Youthnet recognises that the potential to address the long-term support needs of the voluntary youth sector lies within the sector itself.
“The Hub model is a celebration of our strength and interdependence as a sector.
"Our vision for the Hub is to create a culture of collaboration among youth work providers and infrastructure organisations to the mutual benefit of participants and the sector as a whole”.
To find out more about the Trust's work in Collaboration, please click here.