This page has lots of advice and information for young people.
Click on any of the topics below to find out more.
AddictionRialto Community Drug Team - 01 4540021
Inchicore Community Drug Team - 01 4736502
Merchant Quay - 01 6790044
Inchicore Medical Centre - 01 4546933
Coolmine House - 01 6794822
Rutland Centre - 01 4946358
Anna Liffey Drug Project - 01 8786899
AA [ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS] - 01 4538988
Al-Anon / Al-Teen - 01 8732699
NA [NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS] - 01 8300944
Gamblers Anonymous - 01 8721133
AlcoholAlcohol (from Arabic al-khwl or al-ghawl) is recognised as a legal substance. The term alcohol refers almost always to ethanol, also known as grain alcohol, and often to any beverage that contains ethanol. You will find alcohol in drinks such as beer, lager, alcopops, cider, wine and spirits. Alcoholic drinks have different strengths with are measured as a % by volume (the higher the % the stronger the drink).
Alcohol has been and is being used in connection with all sorts of socialising events such as private parties, weddings, funerals and many more. According to international and national studies and surveys the "recreational" aspect of having some drinks plays a vital role for the consumption of alcohol. Here in Ireland we have created a strong and solid Pub-culture (Ireland has one of the highest figure of existing Pub's in the world) and the "drinking culture" is just part of that.
Alcohol in its different forms is a mood-altering substance belonging to the category called 'depressants'. These act by depressing or slowing down the mind and body (central nervous system).
There's a very thin line between having a good time and just being very silly when it comes to the drink of alcohol. You might hear plenty about "the craic we had" but what about when the hangover hits the head! It can mean a thumping headache or feeling sweaty and dry mouthed.
Maybe you got more curious and interested about alcohol related issues. If so, check out the following websites for more information and facts!
www.healthpromotion.ie
www.unlocked.ie
www.mindbodysoul.gov.uk
www.wrecked.co.uk
www.lifeline.org.uk
www.hit.org.uk
www.spunout.ie
www.talktofrank.com
www.addiction.org.uk
BullyingBullying is a behavioural problem, which affects the lives of thousands of children and young people and their families. The humiliation, fear, frustration, social isolation and loss of self esteem which children young people experience when bullied results in absenteeism from school, poor or deteriorating schoolwork, personality changes, illness, depression and unfortunately sometimes suicide. Most people are aware that bullying exists; yet this behaviour often remains largely unchallenged until it manifests itself as either directly impacting on someone we know and care about or as a problem that has become too serious to ignore. National and International research has shown that bullying knows no boundaries of age, sex or socio-economic background. It can take many forms, it can be short term, or continue over long periods, even years. Bullying behaviour quickly causes pain and distress to its victims.
You will find many types of bullying out there. The two main sorts of bullying are "physical" and "verbal" – bullying. Both can leave children and young people feeling angry, frightened and powerless, if children and young people are unable to share their feelings with someone else it can leave them emotionally bruised and exhausted. Especially physical bullying is often written off as "horseplay", "pretend" or "just a game" when challenged. While children and young people can and do play roughly, in the case of bullying be aware that these 'games' can be a sign to vicious physical assaults. Both boys and girls indulge in verbal and physical bullying, boys perhaps more physical as they have a greater tendency towards physical aggression.
If you are want more information and facts in relation to bullying just have a look into the following websites.
www.ispcc.ie
www.barnardos.ie
www.spunout.ie
www.bullying.co.uk
CounsellingCounselling is a type of psychotherapy which helps people address and resolve their problems and work through their feelings.
Most people feel worried or depressed at some stage in their lives and it helps to have someone to talk to. Friends and family can be supportive but they may have problems of their own or you may not want to share intimate details with them. People see counsellors for a wide range of reasons - they may be dealing with problems such as emotional distress caused by sexual/physical/verbal abuse, domestic violence, unemployment, bereavement, relationship problems or family conflicts. They may suffer from eating disorders, panic attacks, insomnia, stress or anxiety - sometimes with no obvious reason. Sorrow, pain, rejection, confusion or anger may be interfering with their day-to-day lives. Sometimes feelings of misery and hopelessness can be overwhelming. Emotional problems don't necessarily go away if we ignore them so it makes sense to deal with them as soon as possible.
A counsellor is trained to listen carefully to the issues and problems and to support while the person finds their own solutions. The relationship between a counsellor and a client is confidential and is based on respect and trust.
Counselling helps to discover the reasons for negative feelings and to work out ways of dealing with them. It is a time to express difficult feelings such as fear, grief and anger in a safe, supportive environment. The counsellor will help to find solutions that are realistic and workable for the individual person. More and more young people and young adults are seeking help and support from counselling in recent times according to official figures. This may have various reasons but it shows that such a service is crucial and important for individuals across the whole society.
In the case you are looking for more information and facts concerning counselling just check out some of the following websites.
www.ispcc.ie
www.barnardos.ie
www.spunout.ie
www.crosscare.ie
www.sirl.ie
www.aware.ie
www.faceup.ie
www.youthquest.ie
Women's Aid - 01 8684721
Hesed House - 01 4549474
Teen Between - 01 6785256
Steps [YOUTH ADVICE/COUNSELLING] - 01 4734743
Rape Crisis Centre - 1800 778 883
Victim Support - 1850 661 771
Family Mediation Service - 01 6344320
Marriage Counselling - 01 8720341
Rainbow Ireland [PARENTAL DEATH] - 01 4734175
Sexual Assault Treatment Unit - 01 8730700
Outreach Centre - 01 4545259
Move [MEN OVERCOMING VIOLENCE] - 01 8724357
Grow [MENTAL HEALTH] - 01 8734029
DrugsThe expression 'drugs' generally refers to the taking of illegal substances plus solvent abuse. The use of illegally obtained prescription medication is also included. The most commonly used drugs among young people are cannabis and ecstasy.
There is a lot to say about these drugs. Many people think that the use of such drugs is the beginning of a drug use career. Others consider these drugs as a bit of fun. You'll find as well people who differentiate more between different drugs. Such people recognize the danger and harm of these drugs but recognize at the same time that the use of such drugs is less harmful than using cocaine or heroin. Especially people who are working with drug users (such as Youth Worker, Social Worker, etc.) tend to have this sort of approach towards the use of these drugs. For these people it is more important to understand why a young person is using such drugs rather than to judge without knowing the background.
Heroin is a problem largely confined to the Dublin area. Drugs are a rite of passage through adolescence for a substantial number of young people and a way of life for a considerable minority.
Many teenagers will quickly point out to their parents and adults in general that smoking and drinking cause more harm than taking a few ecstasy tablets.
Cannabis remains the most widely used illegal drug in Ireland the results of a new survey on drug prevalence have shown. According to the study, prevalence rates for cannabis were at least twice as high than for other illegal drugs. The highest prevalence rate for recent use of cannabis for example was 8%, compared to 3% for ecstasy and 2% for cocaine.
Maybe you got more curious and interested about drugs related issues. If so, check out the following websites for more information and facts!
www.faceup.ie
www.spunout.ie
www.healthpromotion.ie
www.clubscene.ie
www.minbodysoul.gov.uk
www.lifeline.org.uk
www.hit.org.uk
www.talktofrank.com
www.addiction.org.uk
DyslexiaThe word 'dyslexia' comes from the Greek and means 'difficulty with words'. It is a difference in the brain area that deals with language. It affects the under-lying skills that are needed for learning to read, write and spell. Dyslexia is a specific type of learning difficulty where a person of normal intelligence has persistent and significant problems with reading, writing, spelling and, sometimes, mathematics and musical notation. The person may not have difficulties in other areas: many dyslexic people are extremely creative, think laterally and have excellent problem-solving skills. It may be helpful to think of dyslexia as an information processing difficulty.
According to a number of studies and research around 4% of the population is severely dyslexic. A further 6% have mild to moderate problems. Dyslexia occurs in people from all backgrounds and of all abilities, from people who cannot read to those with university degrees. Dyslexic people, of all ages and all backgrounds, can learn effectively and efficiently but often need a more specific approach.
Dyslexia is a puzzling mix of both difficulties and strengths. It varies in degree and from person to person. Dyslexic people often have distinctive talents as well as typical clusters of difficulties.
There are a lot of famous and well-known people out there who were or are affected by dyslexia. The following list contains just a few of them.
- Albert Einstein (1879-1955), Physicist, famous for his theory of relativity (E=mc2)
- Tom Cruise (1962-), American actor
- Whoopi Goldberg (1955-) American actress
- George Washington (1732-1799), First President of the United States
- Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), Italian artist, painter and inventor
In the case you are looking for more information and facts concerning counselling just check out some of the following websites.
www.dsylexia.ie
www.education.ie
www.barnados.ie
www.spunout.ie
Eating DisordersBoys, girls, young men and young women from all types of background and ethnic groups can suffer from eating disorders. Eating disorders are a way of coping with feelings that are making you unhappy or depressed. It may be difficult to face up to and talk about, feelings like anger, sadness, guilt, loss or fear. An eating disorder is a sign that you need help in coping with life, and sorting personal problems. The main eating disorders are called Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge-Eating and Compulsive Eating Disorder. According to international studies and research it is not a disease of the appetite. Food is not the issue. It merely underlies a deeply wounded, often damaged and hurt personality, clutching at eating or not eating in endeavouring to cope with live which has become unmanageable.
The stigma associated with eating disorders has long kept individuals suffering in silence, inhibited funding for crucial research and created barriers to treatment. Because of insufficient information, the general public fail to recognize the dangerous consequences of eating disorders. While eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses, there is help available and recovery is possible.
If you would like to gain more information and facts concerning eating disorders have a look to the following websites.
www.eating-disorder.com
www.eatingdisorderscentre.co.uk
www.bodywhys.ie
www.dap.ie
www.nehb.ie
www.healthpromotion.ie
www.shb.ie
www.spunout.ie
Bodywhys [ANOREXIA/BULIMIA] - 1890 200 444
EducationEach year, some young people, by choice or design leave school before they complete their Leaving Certificate. Many feel that when they leave school early there are no options available to them to learn a skill, train in a career or to gain an educational qualification. While it may not be easy and the options are few, there are still some choices available. The following pages outline some local opportunities available to young people who have left school early.
For further information contact:
Lucy Harrington
Education Co-ordinator
Canal Communities Partnership
12a & 12b Bluebell Business Park
Old Naas Road
Bluebell
Dublin 12
Phone: (01) 458 4842
E-mail: education@canalpartnership.com
ImmigrationImmigration is the act of moving to or settling in another country or region, temporarily or permanently. An immigrant is someone who intends to reside permanently, and not a casual visitor or traveller. Immigration means "in-migration" into a country, and is the reverse of emigration, or "out-migration." The long term and/or permanent movement of people in general, whether into, out of, or within countries (or before the existence of recognised countries) is regarded as migration.
Immigration to Ireland is not a new phenomenon. What is new is that the number of immigrants is much higher than the number of emigrants (people who are leaving Ireland to live somewhere else). Ireland is therefore, for the first time in its recent history, becoming a country of immigration. This in itself challenges many of our most cherished notions about identity, community and the acceptance of differing values and cultures. It also forces us to ask whether the country may truly be said to extend the same welcome to immigrants which Irish people themselves expected as emigrants to other places. It just makes sense to have an honest and truthful debate and discussion about the whole notion of immigration.
Do we really want to share our culture and values (which are changing all the time) with people from other countries like Poland, Lithuania, and China? Do we value the different culture and values these people bring into our society? How do we can build good and healthy relationships to people from the so-called "New Communities" within Irish society?
One way to discover and explore the issues concerning immigration is through participation in a youth exchange. Such youth exchanges are offering an opportunity to understand different cultures and values and the difficulties the whole area of immigration involves.
May be you would like to get more information or you've got just curious about any involvement in a youth exchange. If so, check out some of the following websites
www.ris.ie
www.amnesty.ie
www.childrensrights.ie
www.garda.ie
LifestyleYou could define lifestyle as a way of life, which is expressed in a person's values, activities, interests and opinions. In line with recent studies young people's lifestyles have changed in the last 10 – 15 years.
Young people's values and views changed in certain areas such as sexuality and attitude towards school, just to mention a few. In other areas the values and ideals have not changed like the importance of family and friendships. You will find a variety of lifestyles even between your friends and peer. There is the way to dress, how to interact with others, how to spend leisure time, how to spend money and much more. You may have had discussions about this with your mum and dad, siblings, friends, schoolmates and even with other adults (teachers, youth workers, etc.).
Young people today are increasingly facing adult decisions early in their lives. According to international studies and research today's young people, factors such as education and personal relationships are more important than a lack of money or physical well-being. There is a growing tendency for young people to leave a steady relationship to a later age. Living arrangements among young people are moving either towards single households or staying at home with their parents for longer.
May be you want to learn more about certain issues and topics regarding lifestyles just have a look at the following websites.
www.spunout.ie
www.youthinformation.ie
Mental Health | DepressionMental health is how people look at themselves, their lives, and the other people in their lives; evaluate their challenges and problems; and explore choices. This includes handling stress, relating to other people, and making decisions. In other worlds how a person thinks, feels, and acts when faced with life's situations. Some people are using other terms like mental-wellness and mental-well being but the meaning is the same.
In a young person's life many situations may have the potential to be stressful or even harmful regarding mental health. Two main features are the most well known conditions in relation to mental health. First of all there is "Anxiety" and secondly "Depression".
Family problems such as having different sorts of arguments and fights or difficulty communications can make young people anxious. Other areas are Separation or divorce, death or illness, problems at school and frightening experiences.
Depression is a different story. A person who suffers on depression feels a deep sadness, bleak, helpless and sometimes suicidal. Sometimes there are also physical symptoms like sleeping difficulties and reduced or increased appetite.
Support for young people who are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed is vital. Encouraging children and young people to balance school or work life and leisure time is useful. Sport, any kind of exercise and finding ways to relax is very helpful.
www.faceup.ie
www.spunout.ie
www.youngminds.org.uk
Aware - 01 6617211
Hesed House - 01 4549474
Mental Health Ireland - 01 2841166
Parentline - 01 8787230
Samaritans - 1850 609 090
Self HarmThe term self-harm describes a wide range of things people deliberately do to themselves that appear to be harmful but usually do not kill them. That might be that a young person is cutting, hitting or burning himself. Sometimes self-harm is called self-injury. Self harm includes a range of behaviours that a person may take part in to help them cope, feel more in control or to punish themselves or for many other reasons, which need to be understood and accepted. Young People who self-harm usually do so because of some difficulty that they have had. This may include anxiety, depression, bullying, being abused or family breakdown, but can involve many other problems which people face in their everyday lives. It can be a way of coping and of relieving overwhelming feelings that build up inside. It can happen when young people feel isolated, angry, guilty or desperate.
Self-harm by children and young people is not unusual. But it is often hidden because it is done in private or because people are ashamed or afraid. Children and young people can be affected either because they are harming themselves or because their parents or carers or brothers and sisters are.
According to international studies the number of young people who are self-harming themselves is increasing. This is an alarming situation and there is a common ground about that society needs to lift the taboo that surrounds self-harm so people can get the support they need.
The following links allow you to gain much deeper information and facts concerning the issues of self-harm.
www.faceup.ie
www.heads-away-just-say.com
www.spunout.ie
www.youngminds.org.uk
Sexual HealthMany facets and elements are falling under the heading of sexual health. The main features in relation to sexual health are sexual behaviour (i.e., the use of contraception, sexual activity, pregnancy, etc.), sexual orientation (an individual's preference for a particular sex, be it the opposite or the same or an individual's view of his/her own sexuality), sexual transmitted diseases (so called STIs), sexual well-being and many more.
You will find many opinions and attitudes towards the main areas of sexual health by adults (your mum and dad, teachers, family members, in general), by your friends and in your peer group. Sometimes people use the term "sexuality" to describe and name certain aspects of sexual health. However, the meaning is pretty much the same.
According to a lot of international and national studies and research "sexual health" is an important ingredient for our well-being (mind, body and soul) as human beings and plays a vital role for our health in general.
It's important to feel confidant, informed and happy about sex and your sexuality but if you do find yourself in difficulty don't panic. There is lots of information out there. If you need or want more detailed information and facts about sexual health just have a look into the following websites
www.spunout.ie
www.healthpromotion.ie
www.lifeline.org.uk
www.hit.org.uk
www.crisispregnancy.ie
www.ifpa.ie
www.dublinaidsalliance.ie
www.positiveoptions.ie
Belong To - 01 8734184
Gay Switchboard - 01 8721055
Lesbian Line - 01 8729911
G.U.I.D.E Clinic [STI's] - 01 4162315
Human Givens Counselling - 01 6291969
BereavementRainbow Ireland [PARENTAL DEATH] - 01 4734175
Bereavement Counselling Ireland - 01 8391766
Bereaved By Suicide - 1800 201 890
Sudden Infant Death - 1850 391 391
Carers SupportCarers Helpline - 1800 240 724
Children In Hospital - 01 8780448
Carers Association - 01 4974498
IllnessSchizophrenia Ireland - 01 8601620
Parkinson's Association - 1800 359 359
Multiple Sclerosis Society - 1850 233 233
Bodywhys [ANOREXIA/BULIMIA] - 1890 200 444
Irish Cancer Society - 1800 200 700
Meningitis Foundation - 1890 413 344
ABC [BREAST CANCER] - 1800 309 040
Smoking Helpline - 1890 201 203
Emergency ServicesAmbulance - 999 or 112
Lifeboat - 999 or 112
Fire Brigade - 999 or 112
Gardai - 999 or 112
Mountain or Coastal Rescue - 999 or 112
Give the address or location where help is needed be as precise as possible to save time
Garda [KILMAINHAM] - 01 6669700
HelplinesChildline - 1800 666 666
Samaritans - 1850 609 090
Gay Switchboard - 01 8721055
Lesbian Line - 01 8729911
Drugs & HIV - 1800 459 459
Comhar [ADULT COUNSELLING] - 1800 234 118
Rape Crisis Centre - 1800 778 888
Victim Support - 1850 661 771
HomelessnessSimon Community - 01 8720188
Focus Ireland - 01 8815900
Threshold - 01 6786094
Homeless Agency - 01 7036100
Sonas Housing Association - 01 8309088
HostelsHaven House - 01 8732279
ERHA Woman's Refuge - 01 4961002
St Vincent De Paul - 01 8834164
Information | Legal AidYouth Information Centre - 01 8892014
Migrant Rights Centre - 01 8881355
Citizen Information Centre - 1980 777 121
Legal Aid Centre - 01 8745960
Criminal Legal Aid - 01 6028601
Overcoming ViolenceInchicore Outreach Centre - 01 4545239
Women's Aid - 1800 341 900
Victim Support - 1850 661 771
Move [MEN OVERCOMING VIOLENCE] - 01 8724357
Garda [KILMAINHAM] - 01 6669700
Medical | Health ServicesInchicore Health Centre - 01 4531978
Dub Doc [OUT OF HOURS G.P] - 01 4103100
Tallaght Hospital - 01 4142000
Beaumont - 01 8093000
Our Lady's Crumlin - 01 4096100
St James - 01 4103100
Temple Street - 01 8784334
Mater - 01 8032000
Coombe - 01 4085200
Holles Street - 01 6373100
Rotunda - 01 8730700
Money | BudgetingMABS - 01 8058546
Budgeting Service - 01 4560731
Pregnancy | ParentingCrisis Pregnancy - 1850 200 600
Well Women Centre - 01 8728051
Cura - 1850 622 626
Family Planning - 1850 495 051
Life Pregnancy Care - 1850 281 281
Contraception Info - 1850 425 262
PACT - 1850 673 333
One Family [CHERISH] - 1890 662 212
Parentline - 01 8787230
Treoir - 01 6700120
ProbationProbation Services - 01 8173600
Youth Service and SupportCanal Communities Regional Youth Service - 01 4738439
St Michaels Youth Project - 01 4544791
Bluebell Youth Project - 01 4569453
Rialto Youth Project - 01 4531638
Youthreach [BASIN LANE] - 01 4536182
Youthreach [Pleasant Street] - 01 4780550
Travellers Youth Service - 01 4546488
City of Dublin Youth Service Board - 01 6683198
Youth Work Ireland - 01 8729933