November is a month of reflection, recognition, and collaboration across the youth sector. As organisations continue to support young people through programmes, activities, and community initiatives, this month provides an opportunity to celebrate the positive impact of youth work while highlighting the partnerships and learning opportunities that help strengthen services.
Youth work thrives when organisations, volunteers, educators, communities, and young people work together. Across Dublin, these partnerships continue to create meaningful opportunities that support learning, participation, wellbeing, and personal development.
Recent Highlights Across the Network
Celebrating Youth Work Volunteers
November marks an exciting time for the City of Dublin Youth Services network as preparations continue for the Youth Work Volunteer Achievement Awards 2026.
The awards will celebrate the outstanding contribution of volunteers, youth groups, clubs, and Boards of Management who dedicate their time, energy, and passion to supporting young people and strengthening communities.
From creating opportunities for participation and leadership to supporting young people's wellbeing and personal development, volunteers continue to play a vital role in the success of youth work throughout Dublin.
We look forward to recognising and celebrating those whose dedication makes a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
Supporting Youth-Led Creativity and Dialogue
During November, City of Dublin ETB Youth Services launched a small grants initiative aligned with Ireland's EU Presidency, supporting eligible youth organisations to explore themes of information, media awareness, youth participation, and constructive dialogue through creative, youth-led projects.
The initiative reflects the continued commitment across the sector to empowering young people to share their perspectives, develop critical thinking skills, and engage meaningfully with the issues that affect their lives.
Halloween Adventures with Familibase
Young people from Familibase got into the Halloween spirit with a series of exciting trips to Farmaphobia, enjoying plenty of scares, laughs, screams, and memorable experiences along the way.
Activities like these provide young people with opportunities to build friendships, create positive memories, and take part in shared experiences that strengthen confidence and social connection.
A special thanks also goes to Cillian McElroy for capturing some fantastic photographs from the outings. Check this out: Halloween Adventures with Familibase
Creative Halloween Preparations at Core Youth Service
Young people at Core Youth Service have been hard at work as part of their Visual Arts Development Programme, facilitated by Maurice Noble from City of Dublin Youth Services.
Participants spent time designing and creating a fantastic piece for the group's Halloween festivities, showcasing their creativity, imagination, and artistic skills.
Programmes such as these continue to provide valuable opportunities for young people to express themselves, build confidence, and explore their creativity in a supportive environment. See more: Creative Halloween Preparations at Core Youth Service
Celebrating Creativity at Youthreach
Halloween celebrations were also in full swing at Youthreach North Great George's Street, where students embraced the occasion with an impressive display of creativity, participation, and community spirit.
From fantastic costumes to creative artwork, students demonstrated enthusiasm and imagination throughout the celebrations. Congratulations to all competition winners, including the costume and art prize recipients, as well as the Student of the Month award winner.
Events like these help build confidence, strengthen relationships, and create positive experiences within learning environments.
Oíche na hÓige Returns
SHEPS Youth Club is preparing to host Oíche na hÓige (Youth Night) on 18 November, bringing together young people, families, and the wider community for an evening of entertainment, connection, and celebration.
The event will feature close-up magic from Philusion, music, catered food, and opportunities for young people and families to come together in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
City of Dublin Youth Services is delighted to support initiatives that encourage community participation, inclusion, and positive experiences for young people.
SHEPS Youth Club - Oíche na hÓige Night
St. Paul's Youth Club Celebrates Past, Present and Future
This November, St. Paul's Youth Club, Artane will host a special Youth Night and Reunion, bringing together current and former members to celebrate the club's rich history and vibrant community spirit.
The event will provide an opportunity for past and present members to reconnect, catch up, and celebrate the important role the club has played in the lives of young people over the years.
The evening will feature live dancers, craft activities, delicious treats, and an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the club and the opportunities it continues to provide for young people in the community.
Events such as these highlight the lasting impact of youth work and the strong connections that youth clubs continue to build across generations. We wish everyone involved a fantastic evening celebrating the past, present, and future of St. Paul's Youth Club.
📅 19 November 2026
📍 St. Paul's Youth Club, Artane
Staff Development Opportunities at City of Dublin FET College
November also brings a series of professional development and upskilling opportunities through City of Dublin FET College.
Sessions throughout the month will focus on a variety of topics including Kahoot, literacy, numeracy and plain English in practice, ThingLink, and assistive technologies through Microsoft 365's Immersive Reader.
These opportunities support continuous learning and professional development across the education and youth sectors.
City of Dublin FET College Ballsbridge Hosts Annual Career Day
Learners at City of Dublin FET College Ballsbridge recently gained valuable insights into education and career pathways during the college's annual Career Day, held at Engineers Ireland on Clyde Road.
Students had the opportunity to hear from speakers representing a range of sectors including business, health, psychology, and higher education. Presentations explored progression routes from further education into higher education, helping learners consider future educational and career opportunities.
Among the speakers was Eleanor Clarke of Cobelis Interior Design, who shared her experiences of establishing her own business and highlighted the connection between creativity, entrepreneurship, and professional development.
Students studying Health Sector Studies also engaged with representatives from Bodywhys, The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, learning about the support services available to individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
Events such as these provide valuable opportunities for learners to explore future pathways, build knowledge, and make informed decisions about their next steps.
Major Investment Announced for the Tuiscint Lifelong Learning Award
City of Dublin ETB recently welcomed the announcement of a €400,000 investment from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to support the continued development of the Tuiscint Lifelong Learning Award.
Launched in 2025 through the City of Dublin ETB Educational Service to Prisons, Tuiscint is a personal development programme designed to support adults in building resilience, developing life skills, enhancing wellbeing, and strengthening community participation.
Developed in partnership with organisations including Age Action, Gaisce, and the Irish Prison Service, the programme provides structured opportunities for learners to engage in personal development and lifelong learning.
This significant investment recognises the value of education and personal growth at every stage of life and will help support the continued expansion of the programme in the years ahead.
National Youth Work Week
National Youth Work Week provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the positive impact youth work has on young people, communities, and society.
Every day, youth workers, volunteers, and community organisations create safe and supportive environments where young people can develop confidence, build relationships, learn new skills, and have their voices heard.
The week also highlights the important role youth work plays in promoting inclusion, wellbeing, participation, and positive outcomes for young people across Ireland.
At City of Dublin Youth Services, we would like to thank all youth workers, volunteers, Boards of Management, and community partners whose dedication continues to make a difference in the lives of young people every day.
Awareness Days and Themes in November
National Youth Work Week
National Youth Work Week is one of the most important events in the youth work calendar and offers an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, creativity, and impact of those working throughout the sector.
It highlights the positive contribution youth work makes in supporting young people to reach their potential, participate in their communities, and build brighter futures.
International Men's Day – 19 November
International Men's Day provides an opportunity to promote positive male role models, support wellbeing, and encourage conversations around mental health, inclusion, and personal development.
The day also highlights the importance of creating supportive environments where young people feel comfortable seeking help, sharing experiences, and supporting one another.
Universal Children's Day – 20 November
Universal Children's Day celebrates children's rights, wellbeing, and opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their lives.
Youth work plays an important role in creating spaces where young people can express their views, develop confidence, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – 25 November
This awareness day promotes respect, equality, and safe communities for everyone.
It encourages continued efforts to challenge violence, discrimination, and inequality while supporting education, awareness, and positive relationships.
Governance, Leadership and Strong Partnerships
Effective governance and strong partnerships play a key role in ensuring youth services remain responsive, accountable, and impactful.
Boards of Management, volunteers, staff, funders, community organisations, and partner agencies all contribute to creating high-quality services that meet the needs of young people.
November provides an opportunity to recognise the importance of collaboration and shared leadership in strengthening youth work and supporting positive outcomes across communities.
Looking Ahead
As the year begins to draw to a close, organisations across Dublin continue to plan programmes, events, and initiatives that will support young people throughout the winter months and beyond.
The relationships, learning, and achievements built throughout 2026 continue to provide a strong foundation for future growth, participation, and community development.
Final Thoughts
November is a reminder of the power of partnership, volunteerism, learning, and community.
From recognising the contribution of youth work volunteers and celebrating learner achievements to supporting lifelong learning initiatives and promoting positive mental health, the month highlights the many ways organisations continue to make a difference.
City of Dublin Youth Services remains committed to supporting young people, volunteers, staff, and communities through programmes that promote participation, inclusion, learning, wellbeing, and opportunity.
Together, we continue to strengthen youth services, celebrate achievement, and create positive futures for young people across Dublin.
Theme for this month:
🌟 Celebrating Clubs/Groups & Board Mgmt. 🌍 Strong Communities 🏆Youth Work Volunteer Achievement Awards 2026
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