Foróige volunteers from Offaly attend the 53rd annual volunteer conference in Athlone

Foróige volunteers from all over Ireland gathered in Athlone, Co. Westmeath, from 7th–9th November for the organisation’s 53rd Annual Volunteer Conference. The event brought together hundreds of dedicated volunteers to celebrate their vital role in supporting young people and communities across the country.

Opening the weekend at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dr. Wayne Travers, Chairperson of Foróige, welcomed attendees with words of gratitude and encouragement, “This weekend holds a very special place in the Foróige calendar. It’s our time, as volunteers, to reconnect, reflect, and remind ourselves of the incredible impact we have on young people and our communities,” he said. “The energy and dedication that each of you brings to Foróige are what make it such a vibrant and inspiring organisation.”

The conference featured an engaging programme of speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities under the theme “Creating Space for Young People to Be.”

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A highlight of the weekend was the keynote address from Dr. Colman Noctor, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist and columnist, who spoke about the pressures facing young people today and the crucial role youth groups play in offering connection and belonging.

“Youth groups are a traditional solution to a modern problem - and I’ll keep banging that drum,” Dr. Noctor said. “Foróige provides a space for young people to gather, to simply be together. You do that better than anyone else.”

He also reflected on the mindset volunteers bring to their work with young people “Meet young people where they’re at, not where you want them to be, and approach them with empathy and curiosity. Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can offer young people is our time, our attention and a space where they feel they truly belong.”

Volunteers also took part in interactive sessions about Citizenship, Leadership and Including Diverse Young People and Volunteers. The weekend also provided space for connection and fun, with group discussions, social activities, and plenty of opportunities for volunteers to share experiences and ideas.

Eric O’Brien, CEO of Foróige, closed the conference by commending the volunteers for their continued dedication, “Our volunteers are the heart of Foróige. Their belief in young people and their commitment to creating opportunities for growth and belonging are what drive everything we do. This conference is about celebrating that spirit and looking ahead to the next chapter of our shared work.”

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