Overview: Roscommon Comhairle na nÓg (RCNN) had a dynamic and productive year in 2023, marked by numerous initiatives and events aimed at fostering youth engagement, promoting mental health, advocating for women’s involvement in politics, and supporting national youth assemblies. Below are the key highlights of RCNN’s work and achievements throughout the year.

Key Activities and Achievements:

Youth Empowerment and Leadership:

  • RCNN began 2023 with an induction training for new members and a team-building session in January, fostering camaraderie among the group. Leadership was further developed through the election of executive members and participation in planning sessions throughout the year.
  • Regular feedback meetings and planning sessions ensured that members remained engaged with national and local youth networks, including the National Executive, National Youth Assembly, and Comhairle na nÓg National Showcase.

National and Local Advocacy:

  • RCNN actively participated in national initiatives, such as the National Youth Council of Ireland’s United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Consultation and the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) focus groups. Members contributed to youth-driven discussions on critical issues like sustainability and rural youth inclusion.
  • Locally, RCNN engaged with Roscommon County Council, Roscommon Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meetings, and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to advocate for youth mental health initiatives and improve youth services within the county.

Women’s Empowerment:

  • In collaboration with Roscommon Women’s Network, RCNN played a significant role in organising and supporting events like the Women in Politics Event in January and the International Women’s Day Event in March, empowering young women to engage in political and leadership roles.

Mental Health Campaigns:

  • Throughout the year, RCNN focused heavily on mental health advocacy. This included multiple focus groups with the HSE, a meeting with the Minister for Health, the organisation of a comprehensive mental health campaign including the successful Listen Link Information Event, held in July, which aimed to connect young people with decision makers and mental health service. The event resulted in RCNN presenting Listen Link to a full meeting of Roscommon County Council who unanimously passed a motion to lobby government departments on behalf of RCNN to make Listen Link a reality. These efforts are ongoing until they culminate in a non-clinical listening service in every post-primary school in County Roscommon with at least one appointment scheduled for every student during the school year.

Community Engagement and Networking:

  • RCNN maintained strong community ties through networking events, including the LEADER Consultation on youth participation in rural development and the Public Participation Network’s bi-annual meeting. These engagements enhanced the visibility and impact of RCNN’s work across Roscommon.

Regional and National Networking:

  • Members represented RCNN at significant national events, including the Comhairle na nÓg National Showcase in April and the Rural Youth Assembly in Dublin in October. These events allowed Roscommon youth to share their experiences and collaborate with peers from across the country.

Annual Youth Conference:

  • The year concluded with the Annual Youth Conference in October, held at Castlerea Enterprise Hub, which brought together youth from across Roscommon to discuss pressing issues, including mental health and social inclusion. The event demonstrated the leadership skills of RCNN members, who actively organised and facilitated the conference.

Awards and Recognition:

  • RCNN members received recognition for their contributions, including a Garda Youth Award in September, highlighting their dedication to positive change in their communities.

    Conclusion: 2023 was a landmark year for Roscommon Comhairle na nÓg, characterised by active youth engagement, leadership development, and impactful advocacy efforts. From supporting mental health initiatives to advocating for women’s participation in politics, RCNN demonstrated its commitment to addressing important issues at both local and national levels. The group’s accomplishments in 2023 laid a strong foundation for future initiatives and highlighted the vital role of youth in shaping a better future for Roscommon.