Introduction

The Armagh and Dungannon area has a higher under 19 population compared to the NI average (35.7% compared to 32.5% in NI). Also, 52.1% of children under 19 within the area live in deprived wards.

Young people represent the future of our community and while much effort on the part of many agencies has been focused towards this target group, in reality they continue to become involved in risk taking behaviour which has short and long term effects on their health.

Although the percentage of births to women aged 19 years and under in the Southern area is below the Northern Ireland average of 7.3% in 1998, the number of births to teenage mothers is increasing. In 1997, 234 live births in the Southern area were to teenage mothers which was 4.9% of all live births. This rose to 293 in 1998, constituting 6.3% of all live births.

Lifestyle

The recent SHSSB lifestyle survey showed that in the past 5 years while rates of smoking have decreased in men they have increased in women particularly in the younger age groups. In 1992 18% of 16-19 year old women smoked. By 1997 this figure was 30.1%. Increasingly many young people are using a variety of substances and drug misuse in particular is an issue most communities are concerned about. 87% of young people in the SELB area (10-17 year olds) have tried alcohol, 22% have tried cannabis and 8% have tried ecstasy. Although young people drink less frequently than those in older age groups, they consume larger quantities of alcohol per week.

The effects of "The Troubles", isolation and deprivation have had particularly damaging effects on young people. Many have resorted to self damaging behaviour, anti-social behaviour and even suicide in extreme cases.

Promoting Citizenship

In order to promote the interests of young people this programme focuses on working with them on their wavelength and in settings which they identify with such as youth clubs, schools etc. Young people need to have access to knowledge, skills and support to enable them to meet the challenges and changes of life. The initiatives facilitated within this programme are intended to build upon, increase and sustain their community spirit and sense of belonging.

Capacity Building and Networks

Through this youth empowerment and partipation approach it is intended that the young people should be in the driving seat in developing initiatives such as Youth Councils, web sites etc. Peer education approaches will be implemented as the most effective way of reaching the young people, developing their skills and capacity to play a real role in society and, ultimately, making a difference.

There are many existing projects and strategic developments taking place with and for young people within the HAZ area. The District Partnerships have both established Youth programmes which will contribute significantly to the aims of this programme. Childrens Services Planning and the Southern Early Years Forum provide excellent multi-disciplinary approaches to the planning, targeting and delivery of services and funding based on locally-based needs and evidence.

Projects to be facilitated within this programme will focus on a setting where young people feel comfortable, skills which they require and opportunities for personal and community growth and development through participation.

Mr Martin Fahy, Divisional Youth Officer, Dungannon Youth Office, Southern Education and Library Board is the Programme Leader for Young People.