The Problem

For 3 years we have been delivering our services in several locations dispersed around the Peninsula of Donabate Portrane, including Balbriggan, Corduff and the surrounding Fingal area. We urgently need a deadicated space to continue delivering our vital services.

To date over 7,000 young people have availed of our vital services which includes FREE youth counselling services as well as accessible therapeutic activities and inclusive social events.

Parents, we hear your stories every day about you trying to access mental health support for your children. We hear how worrying it is to see your child struggling with their mental health, and not know who to turn to for support. We hear how helpless it feels to know your child needs professional help, when access to this help is scarce. We hear how exhausting it is to wait for months, sometimes years, to be seen by CAMHS mental health services, and how scary it is to know that while you wait, your child’s mental health is declining.
We’ve heard so many promises of change, but we’re still yet to see major action at a local level. All young people should have access to mental health support, as soon as they start to struggle. No referral, no appointment, easy access.

Please support us as we support the local young people.

Donabate Portrane has now grown to over 12,000 families according to the latest census figures (2022), yet we have not provided any further youth recreational amenities to support this population growth. Covid 19 negatively impacted young people's health, we are still dealing with the aftermath. Young people surveyed by Planet Youth reported increases in drug and alcohol consumption, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide within their social circle.

Why I Care

As an education professional who works with young people every day, a youth sports coach, and a parent of children, I am passionate about young people's physical and mental health. I too see the need for change in my community. That's why I am campaigning for a dedicated Youth Health Hub.

Action

I pledged a long-term plan, to transform supports available locally for young people and their families. This is the hope. But we need Fingal County Council to commit to the plan and prioritise young people’s mental health.

We request Fingal County Council to speed up the consultation process, which is currently 'ongoing' in relation to the vacant buildings in the area and to subsequently allocate a  building we identified for a Youth Health Hub. 

Vacant & Derelict HSE building (former children's unit, Portrane)

Your Help

It is time to give young people access to early mental health & well-being support. YOU have the power to make this happen. Please show community support and sign this petition so that young people do not have to wait any longer for a space they so badly need. Support has already been given from our local politicians, schools, sports clubs, and the HSE. Funding has been secured, so no more delays. 

Impact

Young people are waiting record times for mental health support. They can’t wait any longer. Let’s work together to get this done. Empower young people with a space of their own to show them we care about them.

Shift the focus to early intervention and support instead of trying to pick up the pieces when a community has fallen apart. 

Thank You,
Sophie

Donabate Portrane Youth Health Hub