New social club planned for young people who are neurodiverse

Plans to establish a social club for young people who are neurodiverse will be outlined at a public meeting in Roscommon Town on Thursday.

Those behind the project are developing a new volunteer led social inclusion group for young people of secondary school age who are neurodiverse or have additional needs, wants or requirements.

The organisers say that many young people who are neurodiverse face unique challenges in accessing suitable activities.

Supported by youth organisation Foróige, the aim of the club will be to create a safe non-judgemental space where young people can gather regularly with their peers in a comfortable and relaxing environment.

Central to the initiative will be volunteers who are empathetic and understanding of each of the young peoples’ individual needs.

Sharon Banahan, one of the main leads on the project, is an advocate for children and young adults with special needs. 

She is a qualified social worker and special needs assistant (SNA).

Sharon explained that volunteers getting involved will be Garda vetted with training provided. 

“Special needs children are very vulnerable. For every five children, there will be one volunteer with them - that is mandatory. We will be looking at organising all types of events in a safe environment - and tailored to the needs of the children such as youth discos, wellness classes, exercise classes and social gatherings,” she explained.

Working with local businesses to explore work experience opportunities for young people is also being considered.

To gauge the level of interest in developing such a youth club, an exploratory meeting will be held at the Quad Youth Cafe Project Room in Roscommon Town (F42 CH70) tomorrow, Thursday, February 12, at 7.30 p.m..

Parents and guardians are invited to attend and the organisers look forward to their input and thoughts on what activities should be provided “to build a bright and better future for all.” 

“Please feel free to bring your ideas and voice your thoughts and opinions as this will be important before we start the club. To develop this social space, it’s like building a house, we need the foundation. The foundation is going to be the parents who come along to the meeting”, said Sharon.

For information, contact Alan Judge (Foróige Senior Youth Officer, Club and Volunteer Support) or Sharon Banahan on 086 3803168.