Young Voices Take Centre Stage on Shine a Light for International Youth Day

Young people in County Wexford are making a positive difference in their communities and deserve to have their voices heard, according to guests on this week's Shine a Light with Siobhan Murphy on South East Radio.

To mark International Youth Day, the programme features FDYS Chief Executive Kieran Donohoe alongside two inspiring young people, Erin and Mick, who shared their experiences of growing up in Wexford, the challenges facing their generation and the importance of youth clubs in providing friendship, support and opportunities.

Kieran Donohoe said International Youth Day is about celebrating the contribution young people make to society and ensuring the issues that matter most to them are heard. He challenged negative stereotypes often associated with young people, pointing instead to the leadership, compassion and community spirit he sees every day through FDYS.

During the programme, Erin and Mick spoke candidly about bullying, social media, mental wellbeing and the importance of having trusted adults to turn to. Both highlighted the welcoming environment created through their local FDYS youth clubs, where young people can build friendships, develop confidence and feel supported.

The pair also showcased the positive impact young people are already having in their communities. Erin helped raise more than €800 for her local youth club, while Mick has received Garda Youth Awards for his contribution to community life and was named TechSpace Maker of the Year after developing technology and podcasting projects through FDYS.

The conversation also explored young people's hopes for the future, environmental awareness, online safety and the importance of adults listening to the experiences of the next generation.

Shine a Light with Siobhan Murphy airs on Wednesday at 8pm on South East Radio and is available afterwards as a podcast on the podcast section of the website or wherever you get your podcasts

This programme is funded by the news reporting scheme