Louth teens to take part in cross-border wellbeing residential in Armagh

Young people from rural areas of Louth have been invited to take part in an overnight residential at Tí Chulainn in Mullaghbawn, Co. Armagh this weekend, as part of the PEACEPLUS “Engagement, Wellbeing & Signposting Project for Young People in Rural County Louth.”

The residential will bring together young people from across rural areas of County Louth for an overnight stay that will include a mix of talks, workshops and activities designed to support their development and wellbeing.

A key part of the programme will focus on the legacy of the Troubles, exploring differences across the border in areas such as policing, education and social life, and encouraging young people to reflect on how these differences may still impact them today.

Workshops will also give young people the opportunity to have their say on what services they feel are lacking in their areas, and what supports they would like to see made available locally. This will help ensure their voices are heard and can help shape future provision.

A session on nutrition is also planned, looking at the link between diet, mental health and overall wellbeing, and how small changes can have a positive impact.

Weather permitting, the group will take part in an orienteering activity across the Cooley Mountains, where they will be dropped at a location and will work together to navigate their way to the final destination. This activity is designed to build teamwork, communication and confidence.

Alongside the structured programme, there will be opportunities for additional activities based on the interests of the young people, including football, boating and other group activities. All meals and accommodation will be provided as part of the residential.

The overall aim of the residential is to support young people to build confidence, improve their wellbeing, develop a stronger sense of community and belonging, and gain a better understanding of the Troubles, their legacy, and how this continues to shape their lives today.

Speaking about the residential, Pauline Dowdall, Senior Youth Worker, said:

“We see every day the difference it makes when young people are given the space to come together, talk openly and try new things. This residential is about more than just activities – it’s about building confidence, helping young people feel part of something, and giving them a chance to reflect on their own lives and experiences. For many of them, opportunities like this simply aren’t there locally, so it’s important we create them.”

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This project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), under Louth County Council’s PEACEPLUS Action Plan, and is delivered by Community Restorative Justice Ireland (CRJI) Newry/Armagh.

Anyone interested in getting involved in the programme can contact John Connolly on 086 020 74209.