At Solas Project, we place a high value on character, motivation and self-worth. Through programmes of learning, mentoring, personal and social development we support young people to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Early intervention and schools work

• 720+ hours of direct contact with young people in our After Schools Clubs and over 3,600 meals served.
• 215 pupils took part in the Solas@School Business Programme, and 297 in the Sports Programme.
• 9 schools attended our annual Tag Rugby Blitz at UCD, with nearly 400 children and over 100 corporate volunteers. 

Community-based youth work

• 252 young people engaged with Liberate.
• 120 young people in intensive, long term engagements across the year.
• 16 young people were awarded a National Community Safety Award in recognition of their work on Halloween as part of the Liberties Haunt event. 

Youth justice - Rua

• 1,030 one-to-ones with young people.
• 270 group work sessions. 

Compass (Prison Programme)

• 206 prison sessions.
• 58 young people engaged in prison/detention.
• 22 young people engaged in community. 

Upon release with a trusting relationship already established Compass works with the young people who are on probation in the community. The charity supports them to find their feet in the community and concentrate on supporting them around serious risk issues such as employment, education, drug abuse, homelessness, mental health to name a few.

TRY (TARGETED RESPONSE With YOUTH)

• 610 one-to-ones with young people.
• 1,378 other engagements (outreach, groups, family work).
• 1,988 direct contacts with young people. 

P.17 Targeted Response with Youth (TRY) supports young people who, due to the societal impact of the drugs trade have had their lives negatively affected. The impact of which can be chaotic drug and alcohol use, mental health issues, and limited opportunities in educational and employment. TRY primarily targets those aged 18 – 26, implementing a peer led approach in community settings and building relationships by acting as role models. This work is centred on a youth work approach of intensive outreach and step by step key working support...

P.27 Our team took an active role in the Citizens Assembly on Drugs process this year. Across three different areas, our team advocated for the need for a change in our approach to addiction as a society. In May, Karl Ducque (TRY Team Leader) shared his own lived experience, while Amy spoke about the impact of drugs on the communities and young people that Solas Project supports. In the September session, Ashling (Youth Justice Programme Manager), spoke about the impact our current justice system has on young people caught up in addiction.