Foróige in Longford celebrated on the double last Friday as the Foróige LEAP Youth Diversion Project (YDP) officially opened the doors to its new, modern premises at Grafton Court.
While a brand-new, purpose-built recording and band rehearsal studio at The Attic House Youth Centre was also unveiled.
The launch events marked a major milestone for youth services in the region, drawing local dignitaries, community leaders, and Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Catherine Ardagh TD, to celebrate the occasion.
Funded by the Department of Justice through the European Social Fund, the Foróige LEAP Youth Diversion Project is a vital community-based youth development initiative.
The project works with young people aged 8 to 18 years, as well as their families, offering essential early interventions and support. Based in Longford Town, the project operates county wide and provides outreach services.
The purpose of youth diversion projects is to divert young people from anti-social or criminal behaviour through youth development opportunities.
This is achieved by providing a safe, supportive, and structured environment, where young people can enhance their own development. The project facilitates a wide variety of programmes such as youth citizenship, a life of choices, driver theory, driving simulator, stem, lego and interest based activities.
LEAP YDP is managed by Foróige. Foróige’s core purpose and youth-led philosophy strongly underpin all of the project’s day-to-day operations, ensuring that local young people are empowered to reach their full potential and positively contribute to their communities.
The new premises at Grafton Court will allow the LEAP project to expand its vital work providing modern facilities for one-on-one mentoring, group activities, and parental supports
The Studio: The opening of the rehearsal studio at The Attic House Youth Centre is a significant boost for youth development and digital creativity in County Longford.
Operated by Foróige, the state-of-the-art facility has been made possible through significant funding from the Community Recognition Fund and Longford County Council.
The new studio space provides a massive boost to local youth infrastructure, giving young people access to high quality music production and digital media technology.
Young people will not only learn the technical skills of audio engineering, song writing, and podcasting, but will also benefit from dedicated youth work mentorship designed to build personal confidence and teamwork skills.
By giving young people access to high quality spaces and structured support, we are opening up pathways to future education and career opportunities, while giving them a safe space to grow and be heard.
Funded by the local democracy reporting scheme
1. Stakeholders in the new Foróige LEAP Youth Diversion Project premises at Grafton Court, Longford town which opened last Friday. Gardaí, HSE, Family Resourse Cantres, Midland Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force and Longford County Council
Picture by Shelley Corcoran
2. Longford County Council Deputy Chief Executive John Brannigan, Eric O’Brien (CEO Foróige), Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Gerry Hagan, Wayne Travers (Chair Foróige), Minister Catherine Ardagh, Superintendent Tom Waters, Sophie Keady (John Paul Construction), Senior Youth Officer, LEAP Youth Diversion Project Foróige Avril Gilchriest and Laura Burke (John Paul Construction)
Picture by Shelley Corcoran
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3. Emma Reid, Avril Gilchriest, Laura McPhillips and Anna Considine
Picture by Shelley Corcoran
4. Frank Tung, Cllr Niall and Saoirse Gannon
Picture by Shelley Corcoran