Young people from Creggan Enterprises’ Lifehack Journeys project took part in a charity awareness and engagement day with Foyle Search and Rescue at their Prehen base as part of the Journeys Programme Day of Action on last week.
The event ran alongside ongoing fundraising efforts by the young people, these will continue into the new year and will be presented to the popular charity in January.
The event saw young people take part in discussions about some of the issues facing their age group and wider community and how these issues influenced/directed the work of the charity.
During the visit, the group also learned how the organisation originated and currently operates (i.e. providing a river patrol and rescue service for one of the fastest flowing rivers in Europe) and how the community could offer support through volunteering and fundraising. Lifehack participants also learned valuable lessons in water-safety, cold water-shock and where to signpost if they came across someone suffering.
Following the interactive discussion, young people were given a tour of the base and tried out some of the life-saving equipment. The group developed their understanding of what it takes to save a life by completing some life-ring throw training.
Finally, the group enjoyed a tour of the boats and jet skis used to operate on the Foyle. Participants learned invaluable skills that they can use to support their local community whilst also promoting awareness of the work and impact of Foyle Search and Rescue.
The visit gave young people a unique opportunity to ask questions to the volunteers and learn about the different roles, challenges and rewards of being involved with the charity.
Speaking about the event, project coordinator Richard McRory said: “An integral component of the Lifehack Journeys project is for young people to engage in social actions, and in year one the plan is to raise awareness of key issues that affect the lives of young people.
“Some of the participants have highlighted their fears and concerns around the prevalence of poor mental health and high rates of suicide among young people in Derry.
“Many of the young people have been directly affected by suicide and suicidal ideation and have lost friends and family to the river Foyle.
“Some of them have in the past had thoughts of entering the river as a last resort when they felt there were no other options for them.
“They have had conversations about the existing support that is available to them and the importance of all the services that work in this space. One of the key services that stood out in these conversations was Foyle Search and Rescue – particularly for the commitment and bravery ordinary people show to keep others safe and save lives.
“The young people subsequently chose to engage with FS&R for their Day of Action and undertook a process of fundraising over the summer.
“Young people were thoroughly inspired by this visit and the work of the charity and are planning to further raise awareness through a series of vlogs that will be made available on Lifehack social media accounts in the near future.”
Creggan Enterprises’ Lifehack Journeys project aims to support young people (16-24) to build and develop life skills that promote citizenship, foster good relations, build confidence and resilience and make them more employable.
This four-year project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and is based in the Ráth Mór Centre in Derry.
For further information about the Lifehack Journeys Programme or to get involved contact 02871 277 488, FB @lifehackprojectderry or on X #LifeHackCE people raise awareness and funds for Foyle Search and Rescue.
Tags: