Recent consultations held with young people by Kerry Children’s and Young Persons Committee
(CYPSC) and Kerry ETB identified various challenges facing young people in Kerry.
“The results showed nearly 40 percent of the teenagers surveyed said they need more youth-
friendly spaces to socialise safely. Many young people highlighted a lack of activities other than
sports, particularly in rural areas, leading to calls for a greater variety of non-sport clubs. They
were also concerned about public transport and a lack of information about the services already
available. The need for additional mental supports for young people was identified”
On the back of the survey findings CYPSC and Kerry ETB approached Radio Kerry to become involved.
The end product is the Youth Voice series- a 12-episode radio event celebrating and
promoting opportunities for young people in Kerry.
14 Young People will have an opportunity to co-produce this radio event and will have full access to Radio Kerry over an extended 12-month period. This will include training in presenting, recording and editing, and in media literacy.
This first episode highlights the finding of the surveys, as well as the importance of the upcoming series. Going forward the programmes will focus on topics including youth music, theatre and outdoor pursuits, as well as facilities and communities for young people in the LGBT+, Neurodivergent, and Travelling communities, amongst others.
A special thanks to this episode's contributors:
Claire O'Toole- KCYS Co-ordinator
Seamus Whitty- Kerry ETB Youth Officer
Hannah O'Sullivan- Jigsaw Youth Advisory Panel
Saleem Idris from Tralee and Niamh Horgan from Ballylongford representing the Kerry Community Youth Service
