## **John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 24-25** Name John Paul II Youth Club Email: johnpaul2youthclub@hotmail.com Address, 28 Brookfield Place BT14 7FN Tel: 02890755152 John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 1 ## **Contents** |**Contents**|| |---|---| ||**Page**| |**Independent Examiner**|**2**| |**Senior Worker Overview**|**3&4**| |**Meet the Management Committee**|**5**| |**Meet The Staff Team**|**5**| |**Meet The Youth Committee**|**6**| |**Meet The Young Activists**|**6**| |**Chairperson Forward**|**7**| |**Core Provision**|**8**| |**Participation Structures**|**9&10**| |**Young Peoples Voices**|**11**| |**Group work**|**12**| |**Summer Programme**|**13**| |**Sample of Feedback from Parent Summer Provision Survey 2024**|**13**| |**Planned Intervention Programme**|**14&15**| |**Culture awareness India night**|**15**| |**Social Action**|**16**| |**Quality Assurances**|**17**| |**Sample of Parents response to JPIIYC Stakeholder Engagement March**|**25 18**| |**Embeddingkey policies (CRED, EMWF, Shared Education**|**19**| |**Conclusion**|**19**| ## **Independent Examiner** Seamus Dawson Chartered Accountant Bridge Chartered Accountant Unit G Forestview Office Park Purdy’s Lane Belfast BT8 7AR Tel: 028 90 333 058 Email: olivia@bridgeaccountancy.com www.bridgeaccountancy.co John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 2 ## **Senior Worker Overview** This document outlines the annual report for the John Paul II Youth Club, detailing highlighting its activities, objectives, and areas for improvement over the past year. The report emphasizes the club's commitment to providing a safe environment for children, young people, and youth development through community engagement. **Management and Staff Structure:** The club is managed by a committee consisting of a chairperson, vice chair, secretary, treasurer, and officers. The staff team includes a senior youth worker, part-time youth workers, and volunteers, ensuring a diverse and supportive environment for young people. **Core Values and Objectives:** The youth club focuses on voluntary participation, embedding respect for diversity, and providing a safe space for all young people regardless of their background. Key objectives include promoting health and well-being, learning, safety, and community participation. **Youth Participation and Programmes:** The club employs a holistic approach encouraging young people’s participation. JPIIYC remains committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for young people in and beyond Ardoyne. Through continuous reflection and innovation, we aim to build on our successes and further enrich the lives of the young people we serve. Active engagement levels, ensuring that the activities and initiatives we offer are meaningful, relevant, and youth led by giving our young people a voice in determining their programmes, we have cultivated a sense of ownership and responsibility within them. Additionally, our approach to youth work continues to evolve as we integrate feedback from young people, staff, and the wider community. This has resulted in a stronger sense of belonging among our members and increased retention rates. The skills and confidence gained through participation in our programmes have had a positive ripple effect within the youth club and the broader community. ## **Young People Voice** Young people are actively encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and feedback in an open and inclusive environment. Their voices are central in shaping programs, as they are involved in codesigning, planning, decision-making, and shaping activities and services that affect them. This approach builds trust and ensures that the work remains relevant, engaging, and responsive to their needs and aspirations. **Looking ahead, our priorities include** : - **Enhancing parental and community engagement** : Strengthening partnerships with parents and stakeholders to build a holistic support network for our young people. - **Expanding outreach efforts** : Ensuring that more young people, especially those who may not have considered joining before, feel welcomed and included. - **Developing leadership opportunities** : Providing more structured pathways for young people to take on influential leadership roles within the club, further embedding our ethos of youth participation. - **Improving facilities and resources** : Seeking funding and partnerships to enhance the physical space and available resources to better serve our young people. John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 Person-centred approach to design programmes that cater to the needs of the youth. This includes various activities, workshops, and residential programmes aimed at enhancing personal skills and resilience. **Achievements and Membership Growth:** With over 390 members, the club successfully delivered numerous programmes and activities throughout the year, including a summer program that engaged 270 children. The club also recognised achievements during an annual celebration night. ## **Quality assurance** John Paul provides a robust quality assurance system that employs a mixed methods approach to ensure delivery standards remain high; outcomes are captured accurately, and staff are adequately supported as they deliver quality youth work. Jacqui Maguire has created a culture of continuous improvement where staff are encouraged to develop, and conditions are consistently reviewed to ensure the best possible situations for children, young people and volunteers. **Feedback and Community Engagement:** Positive feedback from parents highlight the club's impact on youth socialisation and development. Surveys indicate that young people appreciate the club for its fun atmosphere and the opportunities to engage with peers. **Areas for Improvement:** The report identifies the need for increased resources for outreach, better responses to youth behaviour issues, and enhancing volunteer participation. Plans for improvement are outlined, focusing on providing tailored support for young people with additional needs. **Future:** The club aims to foster a culture of support and engagement among its members, encouraging them to take leadership roles and actively participate in the club's activities and decision-making processes. **Conclusion:** The youth club remains dedicated to creating a positive environment where young people can thrive, develop new skills, and contribute to their community. The report emphasizes the importance of youth involvement in shaping the programmes offered. ## **Jacqualine Maguire Senior Youth Worker** Giant Game November 24 John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 4 ## **Meet the Management Committee** Owen Maguire MBE Danny Burns Tara Mc Cleary Caoimhin Osborne Elaine Mc Loughlin Jim MC Guinness Deidre Murphy Sarah Fiona Nolan Maddison MC Cullough Nichola Mallon Connor Keenan Megan Madden Jacqualine Maguire Chairperson Vice Chair Secretary Treasurer Officer/Subcommittee staff issues Officer/Subcommittee staff issues Officer/subcommittee staff issues Officer Officer Officer Officer Staff Representative Senior Youth Worker ## **Meet the Staff Team** Jacqualine Maguire Erin Osborne Jim Mc Guinness TJ Barclay Cory Mc Conville Erin Osborne Colleen Begley Megan Madden Eimear Rice Joely Kerr Rhianna McAuley Brianna Molloy Senior Youth Worker Administrator Caretaker Part time Youth Worker staff Part time Youth Worker staff Part time Youth Worker staff Part time Youth Worker staff Part time Youth Worker staff Part time Youth Worker staff Part time Youth Worker staff Part time Youth Worker staff Megan Brianna and Lola Volunteer **Staff and some of Management Committee Strategic Plan Residential Derry** John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 5 ## **Meet the Youth Committee** Kalum Murphy Macie Friel Leon Maguire Orlaith Lagan Alexi Keenan Meghan Turley Cadhla Flannery Fainne Frame Kayla Mailey Odhran Fegan Braiden Finnegan Logan McCarry Gerard Mailey Fionbhar Stiobhrad Eamonn Fennel ## **Meet the Young Activists** Grace Lowry Shona Mc Tansey Aine Magee Rachael Doherty Amy Mc Kane Eva mc Kane Katie Lowry Yap and Youth committee at their best engaging with the members John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 6 ## **Forward from Chairperson** As chairperson of the youth club, I would like to extend my sincere thanks and congratulations on behalf of the management committee, parents, club members, and the local community to the Worker-in-Charge, part-time leaders, and volunteers. Your dedication, commitment of time and effort, mentoring, and general support to our young people have been an invaluable asset to the youth club throughout the year. The youth club's values and enduring ethos form the foundation of its work within the Ardoyne Community, focusing on the development, enhancement and empowerment of our young people. The club promotes voluntary participation, where youth engage in activities based on positive relationships with mentors and a safe, supportive environment. It encourages young people to explore their values, challenge opinions, and make informed decisions about their lives. Key values include: - Voluntary participation in youth work. - A safe, non-violent space for all, regardless of background, ability, or identity. - Respect, equality, and recognition of everyone’s potential and contributions to society. - Encouragement to engage in the community. - and contribute to its development. The club’s objectives are centred around promoting: - Healthy living and wellbeing. - Educational achievement. - Safety and stability. - Learning and Achieving - Inclusion, diversity, and equality. - Active participation and civic responsibility. - Environmental awareness and sustainability. The management committee is extremely proud of the young people's innovative and radical thinking. They have introduced a revolution that has greatly enhanced the youth club, addressing what we once called "the missing link." Recognizing this progress the youth club's team rose to the challenge, ensuring the young people received the support and opportunities needed to succeed. Several meaningful projects, inspired by the young people's ideas, were completed. The caring manner and diligence of these young people mirror the nurturing and guidance provided by the mentors at John Paul II Youth Club. The Management Committee would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the, Jacqui Maguire, and her team for their remarkable efforts in guiding the members to this advanced stage of young adulthood. Appreciation is also extended to the committee for their unwavering support, attendance, advice, and direction. No doubt, the Senior worker will provide a more detailed account of the youth club's work and development throughout 2025. Owen Maguire ## Chairperson John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 7 ## **Core Provision** JPIIYC has had a successful year of delivery, which involved multiple projects also offering drop-in, group work, street work, and mentoring. Over the past year, we have experienced many positive developments and achievements. One of the key highlights was the strong attendance at both the Planned Intervention Programme (PIP)and the Summer Scheme. Here young people engaged vigorously in a wide range of activities. These initiatives played a significant role in supporting personal growth, particularly in building confidence, communication skills, and teamwork which permeated throughout our membership Through various forms of group work, participants were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. Our Diversity Days were especially impactful, offering opportunities for young people to celebrate and learn from different cultural perspectives, and experiences. Overall, it has been a year marked by inclusion, empowerment, and meaningful development for all involved. A 6-evening session of core provision for young people under 18 years old was delivered over 46 weeks in 2024-2025, with an average of 70 young people attending A series of workshops group work sessions and a residential were on offer for the young people to engage in, and were available to all young people, different ages and abilities were catered for. Over the past 12 month we have delivered over 32 Programmes and Project and 3 social actions projects 3, Participative Structures 10, Health and Wellbeing 5, Living in Safety and Stability 5, Learning and achievement 3, Environment and Climate 3, Inclusion Diversity Equality of Opportunity and Good Relations 1 Summer programme 2,Planned Intervention Programmes over the summer 3 Social Action With an overall satisfactory rate of 80% ## **Celebration night Theme: Ice Cream and Cakes** John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 8 ## **Participation Structures** John Paul II Youth Centre is doing incredible work in the community by providing a supportive and enriching environment for young people. The focus on being safe, inclusive, and empowering is necessary, especially when building a space that encourages youth development and participation. Would you like to explore more about the specific programs they offer, or dive into the impact these types of initiatives have on the community? ## **Youth Committee and Young Activists (YAP)** Over the past year, the Youth Committee and Young Activists have been busy planning and executing a variety of events designed to engage and inspire the younger members of the club and thus the community. Their dedication has been evident in their efforts to not only create fun and enriching experiences but to also build a stronger, more connected community. Among their initiatives were two successful stayovers that generated vital funding for the summer scheme and residential programs. The youth committee also applied for and received £500 from The Education Authorities Small Grant Programme to organise a Community Funday on the 8th of August. The primary aim of the Funday was to offer an alternative to anti-social behaviour by creating a space for young people to engage in positive activities. The event also served to promote the youth club in a positive light, showcasing the valuable opportunities it provides for local young people, engaging the Youth Committee and YAP in organising the event, helping to keep their peers away from negative influences enhancing valuable life skills by participating in and new experiences new events. This year’s Funday was a truly youth-driven event. From the beginning, the members of the Youth Committee and YAP were responsible for planning, developing, and delivering the entire program. Having played a key role allocating roles and responsibilities to the club's staff and created their own schedules for managing each activity station ensuring that each area was well managed and organised This level of responsibility allowed them to learn how to effectively delegate tasks and work as a team leading to smooth success Throughout the day, the young people’s voices were heard and respected by all attendees. The Youth Committee and YAP learned patience under pressure, adaptability, and accountability when activities do not go as planned. They understood the effort and commitment needed to organize a large event and felt proud when their hard work paid off. The event itself was a remarkable success, due to the collaboration and hard work of all those involved. While the weather presented a challenge, and a number of activities had to be moved indoors, the event continued without significant disruptions. With the participants understanding heir assigned duties, a positive atmosphere was maintained throughout the day. indicating the strength of the team’s organisation and the resilience of the young people who took charge of the event. John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 9 The Funday also had a broader, positive impact on the community highlighting the positive role of the youth club as an essential service for children and young people in the Ardoyne area. Not only did the young people demonstrate their ability to take leadership roles, but they also showed how the youth club fosters personal growth and community connection. The event helped strengthen relationships with neighbouring residents, who were able to enjoy the free activities with their children. This sense of inclusivity brought the entire community together and reinforced the youth club’s role as a supportive and valuable resource for local families. The success of the Funday youth participation at its best. the planning and delivery of the initiative and commitment to space for their peers. Their hard themselves but also provided a community, demonstrating demonstrated the power of The young people involved in event showed incredible creating a positive, inclusive work not only benefited lasting impact on the wider when young people are given the opportunity to lead, they can make a real difference. The entire experience has shown how effective youth-led initiatives can be in creating lasting change, for the entire community and the young people involved. It also reinforces the importance of providing our youth with opportunities to take on leadership roles, learn new skills, and make meaningful contributions to the world around them. **Eamonn and Kayla from Youth Committee** ## **volunterring** Youth Committee and Yap Appreciation Night John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 10 ## **Young people’s voices** Young people’s voices are heard every day. They are actively encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and feedback, and they do so confidently, knowing their input is genuinely valued. This open and inclusive environment has helped build trust, where young people feel safe and empowered to speak up. Their voices play a significant role in shaping what we do — especially through the co-designing of programmes, where they engage in planning, decision-making, and shaping the direction of activities and services that directly impact on them. Participation is not just encouraged; it’s embedded in our approach. By involving them at every stage, we ensure that our work remains relevant, engaging, and been responsive to their real needs and aspirations. John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 11 ## **Group work** **Young Lads group Youth committee Young Activists Strategic Planning** The general group work we provide has significantly contributed to increasing young people’s confidence, knowledge, and self-awareness — both in terms of understanding themselves and building positive relationships with others in the community. Through these sessions, young people are encouraged to reflect, communicate, and engage more meaningfully, which in turn helps them feel more empowered and secure in their personal and social lives. In addition to the group work itself, we have been able to connect them with external opportunities, such as those provided through SKY programme. This initiative has opened exciting new doors for further growth and development, giving young people the chance to explore these additional new experiences, enhance their strengths, and take part in activities that might otherwise be inaccessible. Overall, our approach continues to create a supportive environment where young people feel valued, heard, and equipped to make positive changes in their lives and communities. **Online safety** 12 ## **Summer Programme** We successfully delivered a comprehensive five-week summer program during the months of July and August, offering engaging activities four afternoons a week for children aged 7 to 11. This program was carefully designed to provide a balanced mix of fun, learning, and socialisation, ensuring the children had a fulfilling and enriching experience over the summer. A key part of our initiative was to address summer hunger and support the children’s overall well-being. As a result, we provided a nutritious lunch or snack to every child each day, ensuring they were well-nourished and able to fully engage in the activities offered. On average, 290 children participated in the program daily, and we are proud to say that every single one of them completed the full four-week scheme. This initiative was essential in promoting not only healthy eating habits but also a sense of security and care for the children, helping to combat food insecurity over the summer months. In addition to our afternoon sessions, our youth club remained open four evenings a week throughout the summer for young people aged 10 to 18. These evening sessions provided a valuable opportunity for our members to explore new experiences in a supportive and dynamic environment. Each evening offered a wide range of activities, from recreational games to creative workshops, designed to help the youth build essential life skills, express their creativity, and engage in meaningful social interactions with their peers. Whether it was developing teamwork through group activities, building confidence through leadership exercises, or exploring new hobbies and interests, our evening sessions were structured to support the personal development of everyone. By offering these evening opportunities, our goal was to create a safe and welcoming space for young people, where they felt encouraged and empowered to try new things, build new friendships, and grow as individuals. These sessions were designed not only to keep the youth engaged but also to foster a keen sense of community, belonging, and self-worth. We aimed to give the youth the tools and experiences to develop their self-confidence, learn new skills, and feel more connected to their peers and the wider community. Through this initiative, we hoped to inspire positive change in their lives, equipping them with the confidence to face challenges, make informed choices, and contribute to their community in meaningful ways. ## **Sample of Parent Summer Provision Survey 2024** Amazing staff 22/08/2024 20:48 Amazing youth club with a great management. 22/08/2024 20:47 I'm very thankful for the staff who have organised and entertained my daughter throughout the summer scheme. She is normally quite withdrawn and finds it hard to socialise but now gets up every morning excited to go round and enjoy the activities and see the friends she has made. They've done a great job. 22/08/2024 Another great summer scheme again this year. Thank you 22/08/2024 20:36 John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 13 ## **Planned Intervention Programme Understanding a Peaceful Summer: UPS Group.** ## **Relationship Building; Street Work and Trips** Through street work, staff successfully reconnected with at-risk young people, helping them avoid involvement in criminal activities, anti-social behaviour, or recruitment by drug dealers. The outreach allowed staff to build rapport and offer positive alternatives, re-engaging youth who had been disconnected from support networks. A key strategy involved encouraging young people to codesign programs, giving them ownership and ensuring the activities were relevant to their needs. Initially, incentives like trips and food helped build trust and engagement, leading to the formation of two "Understanding Peaceful Summer (UPS)" groups. These groups allowed youth to design programs together, fostering community and shared responsibility. As the program progressed, a "plan, do, and review" cycle was used, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to the evolving needs of the participants. The focus was always on supporting the young people, adjusting outcomes and interventions to meet their varying levels of need. Despite challenges such as limited resources, the staff remained committed to making the most of available support, emphasizing the importance of youth empowerment and involvement in decision-making. This experience highlighted the importance of outreach and long-term relationship-building with vulnerable youth. It underscored how flexible, youth-led initiatives can lead to meaningful change and help keep young people engaged in positive activities, despite the challenges faced. ## **Workshops, Group work** The staff implemented a dynamic approach to engage young people through structured programs like Junior Tuesday afternoons and Senior Thursday afternoons. These sessions, centred around workshops and group work, provided consistent opportunities for youth to connect with each other and staff, addressing topics that were relevant to their lives. Workshops became a central element of engagement, offering a space for young people to share opinions and explore issues important to them. The interactive sessions fostered reflection and critical thinking, enabling the youth to develop plans of action for personal challenges. Group work, such as the "Walk and Talk" sessions, allowed participants to break social barriers and build relationships by discussing their community and individual experiences. The "Understanding Peaceful Summer (UPS)" art initiative was another key project. Young people created individual canvases reflecting their views on the positive and negative aspects of their community. These canvases were intended to form a mural, though the completion was delayed due to weather. This project offered a way for youth to express their perspectives and connect with their environment. John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 14 Additionally, the staff organized a social outing to Aunt Nellie’s café, where many of the young people had never dined out. The experience gave them a sense of belonging, boosted their confidence, and helped build a connection with the community. The positive feedback from the café staff highlighted the respectful behaviour of the young people and the value of the outing in fostering life skills. Overall, the program successfully engaged young people, improving their self-esteem and helping them transition from initial disengagement to active participation in the youth club and other programs. This initiative demonstrated the impact of providing supportive, engaging opportunities that allow young people to thrive. ## **Cultural Awareness Night: India night for club members with Beyond Skins, and Amit September 2024** The young people expressed an interest in learning more about India, partly inspired by the youth club’s visits to India in 2018 and 2019. To make this learning experience possible, the group reached out to Darren from "Beyond Skin" to arrange an evening, just as he had done for previous cultural events. The aim was to create a safe space where both the youth and staff could explore and appreciate Indian culture. This experience was significant as it cultivated respect for cultural differences and enhanced the participants' understanding and appreciation of diversity, thereby contributing to their educational growth. The group wanted to learn more about cultural differences to help shape their values, beliefs, and perceptions, while also breaking down barriers and enhancing mutual respect. The young people were encouraged to be curious and open-minded, which led to a willingness to ask questions and explore the differences between Indian and Irish communities. This openness could strengthen relationships and create healthier, more inclusive environments. Throughout the evening, the youth gained a deeper understanding of Indian culture, including aspects of daily life, schooling, hobbies, and medical care. They also had hands-on experiences, such as learning how to wear a sari (traditional Indian dress), discovering the significance of henna tattoos, and designing their own henna art. Additionally, the group was introduced to Indian cuisine, including sweets and treats, which further enriched their cultural experience. John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 15 ## **Social Action: Happy Day Project 31[st] October 2024** "Learning Together" was an opportunity designed to allow young people to explore issues surrounding disability and "difference," fostering understanding and empathy within the local community. This initiative encourages participants to learn about the experiences of young people with disabilities in a fun, safe, and disciplined learning environment. The young people involved expressed an ardent desire to provide a special Halloween experience for the young adults of the Happy Days Project. This initiative not only allowed them to engage with a community they might not typically interact with but also helped them develop a deeper understanding of disability, inclusion, and the importance of embracing differences. By creating a memorable Halloween celebration, they demonstrated their commitment to fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community. Happy Days is a hub that provides opportunities for young adults aged 19-35 years old with learning disabilities and/or autism. The focus of the centre is to help them learn independent life skills, develop social skills, and build friendships. The goal is to empower these young adults, helping them become active members of their community while breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion. Inspired by the mission of Happy Days, the young people from the youth club approached Colleen Begley, a member of their staff team who works full-time at the Happy Days Project. They asked if they could organize something special for the young adults from Happy Days during the mid-term break. After learning more about the interests and preferences of the Happy Days participants, the youth club members decided to set up a fun, engaging event. They arranged a number of activity stations to offer a variety of experiences for the young adults to enjoy: - **Station 1** : Colouring in - **Station 2** : Making breadstick sparklers. - **Station 3** : Nail painting Additionally, there were opportunities for the young adults to play pool and table tennis, with the event concluding with a sing-along and a fancy dress disco. This special event was designed to foster social interaction and inclusion, giving both groups of young people the chance to connect, have fun, and create positive memories together. It was a wonderful example of collaboration and community spirit, and it helped to further strengthen the bond between the youth club and the Happy Days Project. . John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 16 ## **Quality Assurance** . Our quality assurance was conducted by Michial Dudley CEO off Boys and Girls Club NI in June 2024, The objectives of the session focused on the following: To understand what quality assurance is and why the practice is important. To review what tools are used for quality assurance in the youth sector with a particular focus on the EA framework for Quality Assurance. To reflect on what quality assurance tools are used in John Paul and review effectiveness. To co-design the quality assurance practices to create a culture of continuous improvement. A key aspect of quality assurance is staff development, ensuring that the workforce is competent enough to deliver to a high standard and all regulatory requirements are satisfied. Staff expressed that they are happy with supervision, appraisal, training, and stated that they are adequately supported by the Leader in Charge. In the previous 12 months, staff received all mandatory child protection training, 2 staff received designated officer safeguarding certificate 2 First Aid, Mental Health First Aid and a three staff successful obtain their OCN Level 3 in Youth certificate in Youth Work Practice . As part of the training, we reflected on the work carried out in the centre and heard first-hand reports about how John Paul has made an impact on children, young people, volunteers, staff (previous & current) and the wider Ardoyne Community. Staff discussed that they are constantly working with Children Young people and sometimes miss out on opportunities to showcase the amazing work that takes place. Lastly, staff reviewed their pre and post baseline questionnaires, programme planners, and questions used during focus groups to measure success and capture value. This demonstrated a mixed methods approach and best practice. Staff were satisfied that these documents are fir for purpose and each of them demonstrated knowledge around when/how/why they are used. Summary: John Paul provides a robust quality assurance system that employs a mixed methods approach to ensure delivery standards remain high; outcomes are captured accurately, and staff are adequately supported as they deliver quality youth work. Jacqui Maguire has created a culture of continuous improvement where staff are encouraged to develop, and conditions are consistently reviewed to ensure the best possible conditions for children, young people, and volunteers. Over the past year we had also engaged with the members and parent via survey to provide us with an overview of our preforms on how we support the young people and community. Below are examples of young people and parent’s opinions on our work these past years. **Lets eat together project** John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 17 ## **Sample of Parents response to JPIIYC Stakeholder Engagement - Parents and Young People, March 25** Helped with them making friends and feeling included. I have 2 kids attend and have done the past 5 yrs they are comfortable with the staff, and both have come out of their shell they love it so much and knowing their safe within the club is everything as out on the streets now isn’t too safe at all My child’s confidence Has grown, Staff are lovely. My child suffered with anxiety and the club helped by bringing a counsellor in for a couple of weeks which was a major help and the support from her leader has make a big change in my daughter. The different group sessions she has attend has been very good for her, she has enjoyed meeting new people and learning different ways of life Staff r lovely My daughter has a safe friendly welcoming environment to attend, and it is John Paul youth club. Orlaith has become so confident and sociable while attending the youth club also the groups that Orlaith attends in the club give her a wide range of knowledge about different topics. The cross-community partnership helps to enable our children to be open minded and gain knowledge of different religions and make friends. The John Paul youth club is invaluable. Eoghan has become more mature and independent since joining the youth club. John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 18 ## **Embedding key policies (CRED, EMWF, Shared Education** At John Paul II Youth Club, we fully embed the CRED Policy across all our programmes and projects. As outlined in section 1.18 of the policy, _“Equality and inclusion are one of the cornerstones of an education system which enables every learner to fulfil his or her potential.”_ We strongly believe that all young people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to guiding them to better understand one another, embrace diversity, and challenge prejudice. Through a consistent and inclusive approach, we actively work to break down stereotypes and create meaningful opportunities for young people to engage, integrate, and grow together. We recognise the vital importance of the _Children & Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing in Education Framework_ , which emphasises that “leadership focuses on creating a culture and environment that encourages care, belonging, and respect for everyone and plans carefully to enhance emotional health and wellbeing for all.” Guided by this principle, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive approach that prioritises the emotional health and wellbeing of young people. We acknowledge that individuals who face stereotypes, barriers to participation, or exclusion may experience heightened anxiety or stress. Therefore, by embedding this framework into every aspect of our work, we strive to create a safe, welcoming, and empowering environment where every young person feels seen, valued, secure and supported throughout the project. JPIIYC fully endorse the Share Education policy, we believe and encourage all young people to be the best person they can be, by ensuring that every learner fulfils his or her full potential at each stage of her or his development. As stated in the Shared Education policy JPIIYC fully endorses the Shared Education policy. We believe in and actively encourage all young people to become the best version of themselves. Our commitment is to ensure that every learner fulfils their full potential at each stage of their development. ## **Conclusion** I have made every effort to align with the Management Committee's values, plans, goals, and objectives, which are in line with the EA Core Curriculum and the Model for Effective Practices. By creating a safe and supportive environment that encourages young people to be actively involved in the planning and delivery of activities, you're fostering a sense of ownership and community. The range of personal development projects available, from short-term to long-term, provides opportunities for growth that cater to the diverse interests and goals of the participants. With a user satisfaction rate of 80%, our approach is clearly resonating with many of the young people involved, though there may still be areas for refinement. Continuous feedback and adaptability will be key to further improving the program and ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving needs of the participants. Overall, your efforts are making a positive impact, contributing to both the social and personal development of the youth in our club. John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 19 John Paul II Youth Club Annual Report 2024-2025 Charity Number NIC 106748 20