Mallows’ Onyx Teape met with political representatives in Dublin last week as part of a special event shining a light on the importance of youth work services across the country.
Onyx met with Michael Collins TD and Senator Noel O’Donovan at Bushwells Hotel, where a mix of youth workers, young people and public representatives came together to discuss the needs for increased government funding in youth work ahead of next year’s budget.
The event was formed as part of the National Youth Council of Ireland’s #YouthWorkersChangeLives campaign, which was created to echo the power of youth work and the part it plays in providing support for young people across Ireland.
“It was a great privilege to have met with TDs and Senators at NYCI’s pre-budget event,” Onyx said.
“Each conversation was productive and insightful. I look forward to following the discussion of youth work funding, and the increased focus on youth services in the upcoming 2027 budget.”
The NYCI is calling on government to invest an additional €27.3 million in youth work as part of the 2027 budget in order to secure the foundations of youth work services across the country.
Onyx was a representative from Cork County at the event through NYCI’s Local Champions initiative, which is supported by Community Foundation Ireland.
Back in April, Onyx was selected for the 2026 Local Champions programme, a national initiative for young people aged between 18 and 25 who are keen to advocate for services in their community following their beneficial experiences of youth work.
