New youth engagement programme in Birr. Designed and delivered by Offaly Local Development Company, in collaboration with Green Offaly.
FLOW has been designed to re-engage young people, aged 16-25, through holistic and nature based activities. Over a 12 week period, one day per week, participants take part in a series of tailored workshops which deliver practical knowledge in traditional craft-based skills and a reconciliation of self and belonging in community. The majority of activities are ran outdoors at the Irish Heritage School and Birr Castle. This programme is person-centred and workshops are designed to be flexible to participants’ needs and goals.
This transformative programme is framed around the Sustainable Development Goals and is aimed at young people who may find exploring alternative pathways of learning and progression of particular benefit.
It consists of three strands:
Self - Exploration of the inner landscape, how we find belonging in community and a sense of place. Facilitated through art based workshops.
Skills - 'Hands on' craft workshops leading to developing new, usable skills. This is particularly suited to those who may find a stronger sense of achievement through practical applications.
Nature - Exploration of outer landscapes, natural environment, climate change and guardianship.
Programme objectives include engagement with employment and further education. No prior outdoor experience required.
