Calling all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Young People between 14 and 23!

If you’re living in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, BeLonG To want to hear from you!

They are doing research into how you as an LGBT young person feel about life in the County. Does it have any specific services you require? What services are missing? What changes would you like in the area?

This research is funded by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and carried out by Dr Jane Pillinger & BeLonG To Youth Services (www.belongto.org).

If you’d like to do a confidential interview, please contact Glenn Keating:

Email: glenn@belongto.org

Text/call: Glenn: 087-276-8375

As soon as possible– thanks!

Budget 2010, which was announced on 9 Dec 2009, introduces several changes to student support schemes.

• Student grants and scholarships will be reduced by 5%. This reduction will be implemented to all existing and new grant-holders from January 2010.
• Support under the Millennium Partnership Scheme is being withdrawn.
• People who are getting the Back to Education Allowance will not be eligible for student support grants. However, this does not affect any entitlement that they may have to exemption from college fees or student support charges.
• People on Post-Leaving Certificate courses who are getting VTOS allowances will also be ineligible for student support grants. Again, this does not affect any entitlement that they may have to exemption from college fees or student support charges.

For more information check out
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/education/third-level-education/fees-and-supports-for-third-level-education/higher_education_grants_scheme

CAO Forms:

The Youth Information Centre has CAO forms available. If anyone still needs one, just call in.

Festival of World Cultures, Dun Laoghaire:

If you are involved in a project or are aware of one which you feel would be suitable for inclusion in the Festival programme they would like to hear about it. They are open to receiving proposals on all art forms from music to dance, theatre, visual arts, voice and street theatre. For more information check out www.festivalofworldcultures.com

College Open Evenings:

Senior College Dun Laoghaire – Open Day
Wed 20th January
10.00am – 4.00pm
www.scd.ie

Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education - Open Day
Wed 27th January 2010
10.00am - 4.00pm
www.dlcfe.ie

Sallynoggin College of Further Education - Open Day
Thursday 28 January 2010
10am – 2pm
www.scfe.ie

Dun Laoghaire Youth Information Centre will be closed for the Christmas Holidays on Wednesday 23rd December and will reopen again on Thursday 7th January 2010.

Wishing everyone a very peaceful Christmas and looking forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

‘The Beat’ Youth Cafe are having a Christmas Cafe night and are inviting all those in their golden years that are young at heart!
Drinks and refreshments will be provided as well as festive carol singing by a local youth choir.

It will be hels in St. John of God Carmona Services Training Centre, Patrick St., Dun Laoghaire on the 16th December from 7-9pm

The National Youth Council of Ireland is opposed to proposals to cut jobseekers allowance for young people under 25 because it is a misguided and short-sighted policy that will do nothing for young people and the economy. Ireland has the 2nd highest youth unemployment in Western Europe, with 1 in 4 young men between 18 and 24 out of work.

NYCI is calling for a plan of investment and stimulus to get young people back into education, training and work, not a programme of cuts and austerity.

NYCI wants to get young people off benefits and back to work. Therefore as part of a stimulus plan to get the country going again we believe that Government must guarantee every young person out of work a meaningful and appropriate training, education or workplace opportunity within 3 months of becoming unemployed.

For more information look here NYCI

Looking for a fun day out?

On Sunday November 29th the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony in Dun Laoghaire will take place. There will be a fun filled Parade finishing with a magnificent fireworks display.

It all starts in Clarinda Park at 4.45pm and sets off at 5.15pm to make its way along Georges St to St Michael’s Church.

Check out dlrevents.ie

www.youthquest.ie, the website of Dun Laoghaire Youth Information has been given a brand new look!

1. Info-zone has been up-dated and packed with useful information on rights & entitlements.
2. The Sports & Leisure database provides you with plenty of choice.
3. We have added a few new features - see ‘resources for youth workers’
4. The ‘Have your say’ section, is a new exciting initiative - We want young people to use this as a platform to express what is important to them.

More than just a website!! - youthquest.ie is part of the wider service provided by the youth information centre to young people - the service is free, confidential and you are always welcome to call in!!

Are you thinking of going back to college?
Out of school and want to return?
Need money, support, options?

There are a wide range of opportunities available for everyone that wants to learn. Whether you are looking for a particular course or funding option, check out the links on the side for more information!!

Also check out our ‘Employment Section‘ which includes a section on Apprenticeships