Tipperary CYPSC is making the Premier County a better place for children and young people and is preparing its 2nd Children and Young People’s Plan to identify the key issues for children and young people in the county and to set out clear actions to respond.
Set up in 2015, the Tipperary CYPSC is composed of members from across a range of services in the county that work with children and young people. Young people are also represented on the committee, with Comhairle na nÓg (the Local Youth Council) acting as their voice. The CYPSC’s overall purpose is better planning and cooperation, with the aim of achieving better outcomes for children and young people between the age of 0 and 24 in Tipperary.
Some of Tipperary CYPSC’s achievements to date have been to improve children’s physical and mental health and wellbeing, to increase provision of LGBTQI youth supports, and to promote early literacy development.
CYPSC channelled Healthy Ireland funding into Tipperary to promote increased physical activity opportunities for children in pre-schools. Two programmes have been funded called Balance Bikes which introduces children to safe cycling and the Buntús programme which equips pre-school childcare staff with the skills and knowledge to provide physical activity in a fun, safe and enjoyable environment.
2,332 children in 96 pre-schools in County Tipperary have benefitted from Balance Bikes and staff from 51 pre-school services have taken part in the Buntús training programme.
Tipperary CYPSC also provided Healthy Ireland funding for the roll-out of Tipperary Library Service’s Bed-time Story Bag programme in pre-schools.
410 bags of books have been distributed to children and their families through 17 pre-school services.
In consultation with young people in Tipperary, the CYPSC identified a need for additional supports for LGBTI young people locally, and commissioned a report that formed the basis of a strategy to meet this local need. Existing youth service supports in County Tipperary have been expanded with the help of CYPSC funding, enablng youth services to be more responsive and inclusive.
Pat Slattery, Chairperson of Tipperary CYPSC and Director of Services in Tipperary County Council commented:
‘At the top of the list for me was the achievement to get Jigsaw into the county.’
The establishment of Jigsaw Youth Mental Health project in Thurles has been the culmination of a fruitful partnership between CYPSC and Tipperary Education and Training Board, Jigsaw, Youth Work Ireland Tipperary, Comhairle na nÓg, Tipperary County Council, and Tusla Child and Family Agency.
Looking forward, Tipperary CYPSC is launching a new Child & Youth Participation Guide to assist organisations to take the views of children and young people on board. It also aims to put a renewed focus on the needs of children and young people with additional needs. Contact Tipperary CYPSC Co-ordinator for more information or check Tipperary CYPSC's Local Resources page in the coming weeks.
A new web directory with information on local services for children and young people is also due to be launched shortly. Search the Tipperary CYPSC website, www.tipperarychildrenandyoungpeoplesservices.ie for more information.
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