Derry and Strabane youth call for better information on local events

Sparks DC, winners of the TechTides Youth 2025 ‘Hightop Tech for Good’ competition, have presented findings from a survey of more than 250 young people in the Derry and Strabane area at a special reception hosted by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais. The research found that more than half of young people feel disconnected from their local community, while 90% would like more information about events and activities in the area.

Rebecca Furey, Jayden Tang and Somhi Okoyomoh from Derry who formed Sparks DC as part of TechTides Youth 2025, developed an idea for a youth-friendly app to discover what was going on in the city and surrounding area, which would directly address these concerns.

Rebecca Furey from Sparks DC explains: “We were inspired by the TechTides Youth competition last October and myself, Jayden and Somhi agreed that we all sensed a lack of connection, engagement and communication across young people in our community - and we wanted to find out why this was happening and how it could be improved. Sparks DC represents our desire to spark change in Derry City and Strabane District for improved human connection and support amongst young people to aid mental wellbeing.”

She continues: “Following our win last year, we progressed the idea further and engaged in a validation process which included surveying over 250 young people in the Derry and Strabane area to gauge their feedback on communications around what’s on, and also what they would like to see going forward to improve their experience.

“Firstly, the survey showed that three quarters do not really know what is happening, and 83% said the information they receive is missing or not good enough. Furthermore, 90% said they want updates, so there is a real appetite for this type of information sharing and communication. They want one clear, youth-friendly resource to find out what is on.”

The research has given Sparks DC a clearer understanding of what young people in the area want and how better communication could help them feel more connected to their community.

Speaking at the Mayor’s reception, Jennifer Neff, TechTides Youth, Event Director, commented: “It is incredible to see the journey that Sparks DC have been on. They are the epitome of what TechTides Youth is all about: young people being inspired and creating something meaningful. I look forward to seeing their continued progress.

“The TechTides Youth ‘Hightop Tech for Good’ competition is back for 2026, so if you’re a young person with an idea for making things better around you, we want to hear from you. Find out more and enter online via hightophub.com. The deadline for entries is November 12 at 4pm.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Grace Uí Niallais said: “It is fantastic to see such enthusiasm, creativity and innovation from our young people. Their ideas and insights are invaluable in helping us understand how Council services can continue to evolve to meet the needs of our communities.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Sparks DC and exploring how the feedback gathered through this programme can help shape and improve the services we provide. We are also excited to work with TechTides Youth to ensure young people play an active role in helping us deliver excellent services for residents, visitors and businesses across the district.”

TechTides Youth returns to North West Regional College on Monday 23rd November. The event forms part of the wider TechTides platform, which connects people across Northern Ireland’s tech ecosystem with the ideas, expertise and relationships that drive innovation. TechTides Youth is its dedicated strand for young people.