Donegal County Council launches ‘Respectful Relations’ PEACEPLUS Youth Programme

Donegal County Council has officially launched the Respectful Relations Countywide Youth Peace Programme at Spencer House, Letterkenny.

The two-year initiative has received €200,000 in funding through the Council’s €7.6 million PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan, under Theme 2: Thriving and Peaceful Communities.

The event was attended by the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council and the Chair of the PEACEPLUS Partnership, Cllr Paul Canning, alongside Cllr Gerry McMonagle, Foróige Area Manager Claire Gavigan, and community stakeholders.

Cllr Paul Canning (Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council & Chair of Donegal's PEACEPLUS Partnership Committee) officially launching the project

Designed to promote behavioural change, identity exploration, inclusion, emotional well-being, and conflict resolution, the programme contributes to sustained peace and long-term community cohesion. Central to the Respectful Relations Programme is the development of Social and Emotional Learning, equipping young people with the skills to regulate emotions, build meaningful relationships, develop resilience, and maintain lifelong Wellbeing.

“At the heart of this initiative is our commitment to empowering young people to lead the way in creating respectful, positive relationships,” Cathaoirleach Cllr Paul Canning said. 

“By fostering understanding, empathy, and collaboration, we are equipping the next generation with the skills and confidence to build bridges across communities. Beyond a programme, this is a commitment to inclusion and equality—a vision of tomorrow where every individual is valued and every relationship grounded in respect.”

Delivered by Foróige, the programme supports young people aged 10–18 to develop social, emotional, and relational skills. It aims to strengthen empathy, build confidence, and foster meaningful relationships across community and cultural divides. The programme is supported through Foróige’s partnerships with Youth Action NI, NI Youth Forum, An Garda Síochána/PSNI, and Tusla, providing a strong framework for cross-community and cross-border engagement.

Foróige Area Manager Claire Gavigan added: “This project gives young people a safe space to explore identity, empathy, respect, and what it means to build positive relationships in a modern, diverse society. Young people are not just participants in peace building, they are co-creators of it.”

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The Respectful Relations Programme represents more than an investment in youth; it is an investment in the future of Donegal. By empowering young people to lead with empathy, respect, and resilience, this initiative lays the foundation for lasting peace and inclusion across our communities. Donegal County Council, together with Foróige and its partners, is proud to champion a programme that ensures every voice is heard and every relationship is built on understanding.

The Respectful Relations Programme is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).