Kerry Diocesan Youth Service

We create programmes and opportunities so that young people can choose to get involved and participate. By doing so they will benefit from the guidance of professionally qualified staff and trained volunteers in Youth premises that have been specifically designed for, (and with), the young people themselves. It is vital that young people have fun and can join their friends in a safe space. It is also important that young people can access supports to help them to address the various issues they may be faced with as they grow up and critically it is essential that we help young people to develop their own resilience to ensure that they can make positive choices for themselves as they go through life. KDYS was founded to make sure that the young people of the Diocese of Kerry have access to these supports and opportunities. Through the many programmes we offer and through our dedicated Youth Centres across the region KDYS is available to all young people, parents and communities to discuss what options are best for young people. KDYS provides options for all young people. These include fun activities, recreational opportunities as well as services that assist young people and families to respond to challenges that they may face growing up in Ireland. The youth work approach is central to everything we do and the activities we deliver result in very positive outcomes for young people. Our activities aim to equip young people to fully participate in their communities and to make positive choices resulting in better mental and physical health, have access to education, training and job opportunities and to be more active citizens in a society where they are supported to make important transitions in their lives. All KDYS youth work is quality approved and is available to all young people and parents. Our activities are available in the local community, in our centres as well as in schools throughout the Diocese. The work of KDYS is entirely informed by what the young people of our region need and their full participation is key to directing the activities of the Youth Service.