The Power of Youth Work: How One Person Can Make a Difference

Here at Oh Yeah, we got you, kid. With youth initiatives such as our Elevate after school club, fully accredited Volume Control programme and the beloved Acoustic Picnic, we’re with you from all the way. The woman behind it all? Our Youth Engagement Officer, Caoimhe O’Connell. 

Caoimhe has been nominated for Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year at the 2024 Learning Endeavour Awards. These awards celebrate the dedication, hard work, and outstanding achievements of learners and the invaluable support provided by centres. We couldn’t be prouder of Caoimhe and the work that she does. But don’t just take our word for it: 

Rosie is a member of the current Volume Control team, who recently held their last gig in Oh Yeah (pictured) with headliners Brand New Friend. Rosie has also attended the Elevate songwriting programme. She had this to say of her experience, 

“They have both been great for my confidence and I have met so many new people through them. They are interesting and are appealing to teenagers which can be hard to find in youth programmes. 

“Caoimhe is always willing to listen and give advice as well as being honest with us through our decision making which allows us to learn what will work best while also giving us freedom to make our own choices.

“She guides us while also giving us the independence to learn and develop our own skills and it has been amazing to learn from her. I think her confidence and openness is something we have all learnt from and to not be afraid to stand up and back ourselves.”

We wish Caoimhe the best of luck and whatever the outcome, it’s hard to deny how invaluable her work is and the change it makes.