October brings a renewed focus on safety, wellbeing, inclusion, and belonging across youth services in Dublin. As young people settle into the new school year and community programmes continue to grow, youth work remains committed to creating environments where every young person feels safe, respected, heard, and valued.
Through youth clubs, creative programmes, training opportunities, community initiatives, and youth-led activities, young people continue to build confidence, develop positive relationships, and strengthen their connection to their communities.
This month also provides an opportunity to reflect on mental health, online safety, safeguarding, and inclusion while celebrating the positive impact that youth work has in supporting young people throughout the year.
Recent Highlights Across the Network
Young People Bring Inchicore's Story to Life Through Community Mural Project
A fantastic example of youth creativity and community engagement was recently unveiled at CORE Youth Service in Inchicore, where seven young people collaborated on a vibrant new mural exploring the theme of a neighbourhood in transition.
Supported by City of Dublin Youth Services, Canal Communities Local Drug & Alcohol Task Force, and co-funded through the European Union, the project was developed from the young people's own drawings, memories, experiences, and ideas.
Working alongside artist Hernán González, the group transformed their concepts into a large-scale mural spanning three connected walls, creating a striking artwork that reflects their connection to the local area and their vision for its future.
The project provided young people with an opportunity to develop creative skills, contribute to a shared public space, and see their ideas brought to life in a meaningful and lasting way.
City of Dublin Youth Services is proud to support initiatives that place young people's voices at the centre of community projects and celebrate their creativity, talent, and contribution to local life.
Check out their page for more: CORE Youth Service Community Mural Project
Programmes and Activities in Full Swing
October sees youth groups and services across Dublin fully engaged in a new programme year.
Young people are reconnecting with their youth clubs, continuing creative projects, participating in leadership opportunities, and building new friendships through activities designed to support wellbeing, confidence, and personal development.
Whether through arts programmes, sports activities, training initiatives, community projects, or youth-led events, young people continue to play an active role in shaping their youth work experiences.
Strengthening Practice Through Training and Capacity Building
The City of Dublin Youth Services Arts and Capacity Building Team, in collaboration with Ballymun Regional Youth Resource (BRYR), continues to provide valuable learning opportunities for youth workers and practitioners across the sector.
Upcoming training sessions include:
- Child Safeguarding Training – 7 October 2026
- Online Safety Training – 14 October 2026
- ASD/Additional Needs: Facilitated conversation Caitlin Cruise: As I Am – 15 October 2026
These sessions support youth workers in maintaining best practice while helping to ensure that young people can access safe, supportive, and inclusive environments.
Additional events and training opportunities are planned throughout the autumn, with dates, times, and venues to be confirmed closer to the time.
European Youth Dialogue Conference Invitation
Youth workers, youth work managers, ETBs, and those working across the wider youth sector are invited to attend the EU Associated Presidency Event - EU Youth Goal 4: Information and Constructive Dialogue Conference taking place on 4 November 2026 at the ILAS Centre, University of Galway.
Hosted on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth, ETBI and GRETB, the conference will focus on the importance of information, participation, and constructive dialogue in supporting young people and strengthening youth work practice.
Events such as these provide valuable opportunities for networking, shared learning, and discussion around the future of youth work and youth participation both nationally and across Europe.
Further information and registration details are available here: Register for the Information and Constructive Dialogue Conference
Awareness Days and Themes in October
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is observed annually on 10 October and provides an important opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing.
Positive mental health is fundamental to young people's development, learning, and overall wellbeing. Youth services contribute by providing safe spaces, supportive relationships, opportunities for participation, and environments where young people feel listened to and supported.
Throughout October, organisations are encouraged to promote healthy conversations around mental health, reduce stigma, and remind young people that support is always available.
National Cyber Security Awareness Month
October is also recognised internationally as Cyber Security Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of online safety and responsible digital engagement.
As young people spend increasing amounts of time online, understanding how to stay safe, protect personal information, and engage responsibly in digital spaces is more important than ever.
This awareness theme aligns closely with the upcoming Online Safety Training being delivered through the Arts and Capacity Building Team and BRYR.
Anti-Bullying Awareness
Creating safe, welcoming, and respectful environments remains at the heart of youth work.
October provides an opportunity to reinforce messages around:
- Respect and inclusion
- Positive relationships
- Kindness and empathy
- Challenging bullying behaviour
- Supporting diversity and equality
Youth organisations continue to work alongside young people to create spaces where everyone feels they belong and can participate without fear of discrimination or exclusion.
United Nations Day
United Nations Day promotes international cooperation, human rights, equality, peace, and sustainability.
For youth services, it provides an opportunity to explore themes of:
- Global citizenship
- Human rights
- Diversity and inclusion
- Community participation
- Social responsibility
These themes encourage young people to think critically about the wider world while recognising the positive impact they can have within their own communities.
Happy Halloween!
As October comes to a close, we would like to wish all young people, families, youth workers, volunteers, and community partners a safe and enjoyable Halloween.
Halloween is a time for creativity, celebration, and community spirit. Whether through youth club events, arts activities, fancy dress, pumpkin carving, or local celebrations, we hope everyone enjoys the festivities safely and responsibly.
Have a spooky Halloween and a well-deserved mid-term break! 🎃🕸️👻
Supporting Wellbeing Throughout Autumn
As routines become busier and days become shorter, maintaining positive wellbeing remains a priority.
Youth work continues to support young people through:
- Positive relationships
- Social connection
- Creative expression
- Physical activity
- Informal learning
- Opportunities for participation
These experiences help young people develop resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging while supporting their overall wellbeing.
Safe Spaces, Strong Communities
One of the core strengths of youth work is its ability to create spaces where young people feel welcomed, respected, and supported.
Through collaboration between youth workers, volunteers, communities, schools, and partner organisations, young people continue to benefit from programmes that encourage:
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Leadership and participation
- Respectful relationships
- Inclusion and diversity
- Personal growth and development
Building safe and inclusive communities remains central to ensuring positive outcomes for all young people.
Looking Ahead
As autumn progresses, youth services across Dublin continue to plan exciting opportunities for young people and practitioners alike.
Upcoming months will bring:
- Further training and professional development opportunities
- Youth leadership initiatives
- Creative and cultural programmes
- Community events
- Wellbeing-focused activities
- Opportunities for youth participation and engagement
Together, these initiatives help strengthen services and support young people as they continue to learn, grow, and thrive.
Final Thoughts
October reminds us of the importance of creating communities where young people feel safe, supported, and included.
From safeguarding and online safety training to mental health awareness, anti-bullying initiatives, and youth participation opportunities, this month highlights the collective effort required to build positive environments where young people can flourish.
City of Dublin Youth Services remains committed to supporting young people through programmes that promote wellbeing, inclusion, participation, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Together, we continue to build stronger communities, safer spaces, and brighter futures for young people across Dublin.
🛡️ Safeguarding & Online Safety
🤝 Respect & Inclusion
🗣️ Youth Voice
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