Local Foróige volunteers attend national event

Volunteers from Westmeath Foróige were among the 220 who attended the 52nd annual volunteer conference at Salthill this month.

This year’s conference featured psychologist Shane Martin as the keynote speaker, who addressed the resilience in volunteer work. "Empowering volunteers enhances their wellbeing and enriches the lives of the young people they interact with," Martin said. "The impact of dedicated volunteers on young people is immeasurable."

The event included workshops and group discussions designed to foster collaboration and idea-sharing among volunteers.

Odhrán O’Mahony, chairperson of Foróige, opened the conference with a message of gratitude and inspiration: "Each of you plays a crucial role in shaping young people’s lives. Your dedication and passion are what make Foróige a pillar of strength in communities throughout Ireland."

Reflecting on the future, he said: "Foróige aim to ensure that every young person who wishes to engage in youth work has the opportunity to do so. Our vision is to have flourishing Foróige clubs and projects in every county, attracting and retaining passionate volunteers to continue our mission."

Foróige, now in their 72nd year of service, have more than 4,500 volunteers in 450 clubs and 180 projects and programmes. Initiatives such as Leadership for Life, Be Healthy Be Happy, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), and Big Brother Big Sister engage 50,000 young people a year, empowering them to take responsibility for their futures.