Foróige Donegal has launched ‘Fit Fest’ to help young people to rebuild connections, confidence and resilience after Covid-19 lockdown.
Three summer events are taking place in Donegal to support young people’s mental health as they come out of isolation.
On Saturday, June 20th, over 100 young people from across the county joined a Summer Solstice Walk to mark the beginning of the ‘Fit Fest’. Each Foróige participant wore a specially made purple t-shirt to connect people on the social distance 5k walk, regardless of whether they walked together in small groups or with a family member or friend in their own area.
Some of the early walkers in Donegal Town. Photo: Clive Wasson
“I am already worried about going back to school and we have only just got our holidays. We have not met anyone except family for months so Fit Fest is a nice way to meet people our age over the summer before we have to go back in September,” said Caitlin, aged 15.
The Summer Solstice walk is followed by a second event in July “Tunes and Chats” social event with the final event in August capturing all things that represent “Hope in a Pandemic”. This art piece will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. All young people that take part in all three events will get special recognition.
At the Donegal town event are Anne Timoney Meehan, CYPS, Kerry Gallagher, Foróige, Susan McLoughlin, Project Leader, Foróige and Margaret Fitzgerald, Healthy Ireland Co Ordinator Donegal County Council. Photo: Clive Wasson
Speaking at the launch, Susan McLoughlin Foroige Project Leader, said: “By the end of the summer our aim is that every young person that engages in our Foróige projects and services will be more confident, feel reconnected to their friends and to their community and ready to face the challenges ahead with increased resilience and strength knowing that we are fully behind them, supporting them all the way”.
‘Fit Fest’ is supported by Healthy Ireland through Donegal Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and the Donegal Children & Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC). For more information on ‘Fit Fest’ and other events and what Foróige Youth Projects and Services are in your area, please contact Foróige staff member at infodonegal@foroige.ie.
Find Foróige Donegal on Facebook and follow #ForóigeFitFest on social media.
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