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Digital Youth Information Chat Service launched by Limerick Youth Service

Limerick Youth Service (LYS) has teamed up with several leading youth organisations to launch a new online youth chat system called the ‘Digital Youth Information Chat Service (PHOTO TAKEN BEFORE SOCIAL DISTANCING)

Digital Youth Information Chat Service launched by Limerick Youth Service

By I Love Limerick correspondent Roisin Smart


 Limerick Youth Service (LYS) has teamed up with several leading youth organisations to launch a new online youth chat system called the ‘Digital Youth Information Chat Service.’ The service will initially be live on weekdays from 4-8 pm and is primarily aimed at young people aged 16 to 26 years old. 


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Young people can make queries outside of these times, which will generate a ‘ticket’ which Youth Information officers respond when the system next becomes active. The chat service, which can be accessed at www.spunout.ie, will give young people an opportunity to access information, support and guidance on various subjects from education and health to employment and relationships.

“This new service is a natural extension of what youth information officers do daily and it enhances this work by recognising both the importance of the online lives that young people lead and the current period which presents huge challenges for young people,” said Dermot Troy, Youth information and communication coordinator with Limerick Youth Service.

Digital Youth Information Chat

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Dr Katherine Zappone at her offices on Mespil Road. Picture: Steve Humphreys (Photo taken before social distancing)

“Although we live in the Information Age there are some young people who find the online world overwhelming and need support to access and understand different information sources to enable them to make positive life choices. The chat service has the full support of the Department of Children & Youth Affairs with Minister,” he added.

“It is particularly welcome at a time when young people are facing enormous challenges in all areas of their lives, particularly in matters of mental health, but are also harnessing their talents and capabilities to play a crucial role in the societal response to the current COVID-19 crisis.

I would like to commend the Youth Information Partnership for working together nationally to provide information for young people on a dedicated online facility. Any initiative which seeks to support young people in maintaining their health and wellbeing is particularly welcome now and into the future,” stated Minister Katherine Zappone.

The Youth Information online chat service is the first of its kind in Ireland. Crosscare, SpunOut, YMCA and Youth Work Ireland who have planned this service have expedited the launch to support young people during COVID-19 lockdown.

“It builds on the existing partnership between Crosscare, YMCA, Youth Work Ireland who have provided physical Youth Information Centres and SpunOut which has been a leader in the online space. This is a major first for Ireland in these difficult times and we expect it to make a significant contribution to young people’s lives,” said Patrick Burke, CEO of Youth Work Ireland.

LYS’ Youth Information Bureau is one of nearly thirty nationwide youth information hubs that provide support and guidance to young people. The team can be contacted at [email protected] or 083-172898.

The new chat service can be found here.

For more Limerick Youth Service Stories, click here.

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.