September marks the beginning of a new season for youth services across Dublin. As young people return to school, college, training, and community programmes, it is a time of fresh starts, new opportunities, and renewed connections.
The transition into autumn can bring excitement, challenges, and opportunities for growth. Across Dublin, youth organisations continue to provide safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces where young people can build confidence, develop skills, access support, and strengthen their sense of belonging.
As highlighted in City of Dublin Youth Services' annual programme focus, September places a strong emphasis on mental health, wellbeing, support, and youth development, ensuring young people are equipped to navigate the year ahead.
Recent Highlights Across the Network
Supporting Youth Work Through Learning and Collaboration
September saw the Arts and Capacity Building Team, in collaboration with Ballymun Regional Youth Resource (BRYR), deliver several valuable learning and networking opportunities for youth workers and practitioners.
These included:
- Big Brunch with Focus Ireland and ECO-UNESCO (9 September)
- AI in Youth Work Training with NYCI (22 September)
- Introduction to the Status Toolkit Inclusion Training (30 September)
These events provided opportunities for learning, discussion, and professional development while supporting good practice across the youth sector.
New Opportunity for Youth Work Provision in Finglas South
City of Dublin ETB recently launched a Call for Service seeking an experienced youth work provider to establish a new UBU Your Place Your Space funded service in Finglas South.
With funding of up to €228,000, the service aims to support young people aged 10-24 through high-quality, community-based youth work that is inclusive, responsive, and evidence-informed.
The successful provider will work in partnership with local communities, schools, statutory agencies, and existing services to create a young person-centred service that responds to local needs while helping young people reach their full potential.
For further information check out: Call For Service – Finglas South
Hospital Schools Come Together for Landmark Event
An important milestone was celebrated this month as staff from the four hospital schools, Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Temple Street and Tallaght, together with Beaumont Hospital School, came together for a significant staff event.
The gathering provided an opportunity to learn more about the journey towards becoming a single National Children's Hospital School and to meet members of the new leadership team.
Earlier this year, City of Dublin ETB was selected by the Department of Education and Youth to assume patronage of the new school, which will bring together the existing hospital schools into one unified service supporting children and young people receiving hospital care.
This development represents an exciting step forward in strengthening educational support for young people experiencing hospitalisation.
Music Generation Dublin City Opens Doors to New Music Hub
Music Generation Dublin City is preparing to launch lessons at its new Music Hub at The Factory, Bolands Mills, Dublin 4.
An Open Day and taster sessions will take place on 28 September at 3.00pm, with group music lessons commencing in October.
Young people aged 10-12 will have the opportunity to access affordable lessons in:
- DJ Skills
- Guitar
- Piano
- Ukulele
- Vocals
The new hub will provide even more opportunities for young people to explore creativity, build confidence, and develop their musical talents in a supportive environment.
Creativity Returns to East Wall Youth
A new term has begun at East Wall Youth, and one of the most popular activities has made a welcome return.
Young people recently resumed creative workshops with Maurice Noble, beginning work on maquettes and sculptural pieces as part of their ongoing arts programme.
It has been fantastic to see young people engaging with the creative process, developing artistic skills, and bringing new ideas to life as the programme gets underway.
Visual Arts Development Programme Launches at Core Youth Service
Young people with an interest in creativity and visual arts are being invited to take part in a new Visual Arts Development Programme at Core Youth Service.
Beginning on 23 September, the programme will support participants in developing artistic skills while creating work inspired by the Halloween season.
Programmes such as these provide young people with opportunities to explore self-expression, creativity, and confidence-building in a supportive group setting.
Career L.E.A.P. Opens New Pathways
Young people seeking employment and professional development opportunities can now apply for the latest Career L.E.A.P. Programme, delivered by SWAN Youth Service and supported through funding from CDETB and NEIC.
The six-week programme combines:
- Work readiness training
- Practical work placement experience
- Skills development
- Personal and professional growth opportunities
Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive certification from Trinity College Dublin.
Initiatives such as Career L.E.A.P. continue to play an important role in supporting young people as they prepare for employment, education, and future opportunities.
Back to School: A New Year of Opportunities
As schools reopen and young people settle back into their routines, September marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with learning, growth, and possibility.
Returning to school can bring a mix of excitement, anticipation, and sometimes anxiety. Whether starting primary school, moving into secondary school, beginning a new year, or preparing for future exams and career pathways, every young person is navigating their own unique journey.
At City of Dublin Youth Services, we recognise that education is about more than academic achievement. It is also about building confidence, developing friendships, discovering strengths, and creating opportunities for personal growth.
Youth services continue to play an important role in supporting young people throughout the school year by providing safe spaces, positive relationships, creative opportunities, and programmes that promote wellbeing, participation, and inclusion.
As a new school year begins, we encourage young people to embrace new experiences, celebrate their achievements, ask for support when needed, and remember that progress comes in many different forms.
We wish all students, teachers, school staff, and families a successful, positive, and rewarding year ahead.
Awareness Days and Themes in September
World Suicide Prevention Day – 10 September
World Suicide Prevention Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide prevention, reduce stigma around mental health, and encourage open conversations about wellbeing.
Youth services play an important role in supporting young people through positive relationships, early intervention, peer support, and safe spaces where young people feel heard and valued.
The day reminds us that support, connection, and community can make a significant difference.
International Literacy Day – 8 September
International Literacy Day highlights the importance of literacy in empowering individuals and creating opportunities throughout life.
Youth services support literacy in many ways through education programmes, creative arts, mentoring, youth information services, training opportunities, and informal learning experiences.
Helping young people build confidence in communication and learning remains a key part of youth development.
International Day of Peace – 21 September
The International Day of Peace encourages reflection on themes of inclusion, understanding, respect, and cooperation.
These principles are central to youth work, where young people are encouraged to build positive relationships, celebrate diversity, resolve conflict constructively, and contribute positively to their communities.
European Week of Sport
September also includes the annual European Week of Sport, promoting the benefits of physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and wellbeing.
Across youth services, sport and recreation continue to support:
- Physical health
- Mental wellbeing
- Teamwork
- Confidence
- Community participation
Whether through structured activities or informal recreation, staying active remains an important part of supporting positive wellbeing.
Supporting Young People's Mental Health
As routines change and educational pressures increase, September can be a challenging time for many young people.
Youth organisations continue to provide spaces where young people can:
- Access support
- Build positive relationships
- Develop resilience
- Explore their interests
- Strengthen confidence
- Connect with peers
These opportunities help create a strong foundation for wellbeing as young people settle into the months ahead.
Looking Ahead
As the new programme year gathers momentum, organisations across Dublin are preparing a range of activities and opportunities focused on participation, learning, creativity, leadership, and wellbeing.
The energy and enthusiasm shown by young people throughout September highlights the important role youth work continues to play in creating opportunities, building confidence, and supporting positive outcomes.
Final Thoughts
September is a month of new beginnings, renewed focus, and fresh opportunities.
From training and professional development events to arts programmes, music opportunities, education initiatives, and employment supports, young people and youth workers across Dublin continue to demonstrate the value of collaboration, creativity, and community.
As we move into autumn, City of Dublin Youth Services remains committed to supporting young people through programmes that promote wellbeing, inclusion, participation, and lifelong learning.
Together, we continue to create opportunities where every young person can learn, grow, contribute, and thrive.
💚 Mental Health & Wellbeing
📚 Learning & Development
🎨 Creativity & Expression
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