Donegal Youth Service has launched a new guide to help young people in Donegal deal with grief.
The leaflet (click here to view) was developed by young people in the county who took part in a weekly mental health group through the Letterkenny Youth Information Centre in 2020.
The project was made possible thanks to funding from Healthy Donegal.
The mental health group was a beacon of hope for young people who faced many challenges and uncertainty during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Last winter, young people aged 16-25 came together to take some time once a week to sit down and relax, draw, listen to music and connect with each other. Initially they met for walks in the park, before moving into the DYS building in line with Government guidelines.
Youth Information Officer and youth mental health PhD Researcher Louise Lynch who spearheaded the project said: “Throughout our conversations it became clear that grief is something we all experience and often before we become grown adults, whether it is through the death of a loved one or a beloved family pet, everyone experiences loss – but there was no information we could find in Donegal, designed for young people, with guidance on normal processes and tips. Through some fantastic research from our volunteers, we were able to produce something for other young people that will last, long after our group finishes up.”
The ‘Understanding Grief – A Guide for Young People’ leaflet is available to view on the DYS website here: www.donegalyouthservice.ie/publications/understanding-grief-a-guide-for-young-people, or you can pick up a copy from the Donegal Youth Service HQ in Letterkenny.
The Letterkenny Youth Information Centre provides a free, confidential information service to young people and those who work with them. The centre managed by Donegal Youth Service is the only one of its kind in Donegal and it operates a one stop shop approach where all the information is available under the one roof.
For more information about any Donegal Youth Service programmes or services please visit www.donegalyouthservice.ie, call us on 0749129630 or find DYS on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You can also drop in to The Letterkenny Youth Information Centre, open weekdays 12-6pm at 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny F92N2KC. Donegal Youth Service is a registered charity. Registered charity number: 20050696.
