As part of the Peace IV Cavan Youth Arts Lab, young people in Cavan have been working with their Advocates, Team Leader Karen, and the sculptor Joanne Behan on life-size clay portraits on the theme of “Our Voice” to explore self and diversity. We were delighted to attend the launch of the showcase of the Peace IV Cavan Youth Arts Lab in the Johnston Central Library in Cavan on Monday 18th June. The sculptures will be on display there for the next month, before making an appearance at the YAP National Event in July!

We were delighted to launch our Annual Report for 2017 in the Dublin office on Thursday 5th April. Significant findings in the report include that 83% of young people reported an improvement in their self-esteem and confidence, 89% reported an improvement in self-harm behaviours, 86% reported an improvement in substance abuse, 77% reported an improvement in anger issues and 83% reported an improvement in their emotional wellbeing.

Well done to the parents in our Dublin parents participation group who have started exercise classes to learn some new tips for keeping fit!

We had a very busy day in the Dublin office on Tuesday 13th February. We had interviews for new Advocates and we also had training for young people who wish to be on these interview panels.

We are delighted to announce that YAP Ireland has been awarded the Investing in Children membership award for 2018 for the 4th year in row! The award recognises imaginative practice and the active inclusion of children and young people in dialogue that leads to change. The assessments, which took place late last year, involve talking to young people directly to hear their thoughts on the services they receive.