Impacting the Lives of Young People since 2004
To achieve its objectives CLAY Youth Project provides a variety of Youth Work programmes both generic (accessible by all young people) or Targeted (aimed at specific cohorts of young people). Below is a snapshot of some recent activities for our UBU and YDP young people.
Update on CLAY's UBU & YDP Gaisce Programmes
Our UBU & YDP Gaisce participants have been busy over the past number of months, engaging in a wide range of activities that have helped them develop leadership skills, confidence, teamwork, and a stronger connection to their community.
Building Leadership Through Learning
In October, a group of young people began a leadership programme delivered by CITYWISE. The 15-session programme was designed to develop leadership knowledge and practical skills, empowering participants to take on new challenges and become positive role models within their communities.
Several members of our Gaisce programmes took part in this initiative, which concluded in April with a special graduation ceremony at Trinity College Dublin. The programme has been a valuable opportunity for young people to build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and develop their leadership potential. Due to its success, the programme is continuing and will support future groups of young people.
Celebrating Gaisce Achievements
This year has seen many significant milestones for our Gaisce participants, with young people successfully completing Bronze, Silver and Gold award journeys.
Two of our Gaisce groups recently completed their Gaisce journey by taking part in a residential experience packed with exciting challenges and personal development opportunities. Participants embraced three key physical activities, including a demanding 20km hike, high ropes challenges and archery sessions. The residential provided an opportunity for young people to step outside their comfort zones, work together as a team and celebrate the achievements they had worked towards throughout their Gaisce journey.
One of the biggest highlights of the YDP Gaisce programme was the group's international trip to Finland last year. During the visit, the young people explored stunning landscapes, experienced a different culture, exchanged stories and experiences with local people, and challenged themselves through a range of outdoor activities. The trip provided an unforgettable opportunity for personal growth, cultural exchange and adventure.
Building on this achievement, one of the participants was later presented with his Gold Gaisce Award by the newly elected President of Ireland at Dublin Castle. This was a proud moment for both the young person and the wider programme, recognising years of commitment, perseverance and achievement (more details in the section below).
Adventure Journeys and Outdoor Challenges
The same Gold Gaisce group also completed their Adventure Journey around Achill Island last summer. This five-day residential programme challenged participants both physically and mentally through a variety of outdoor pursuits. The journey included long-distance cycling, mountainous and coastal hikes, surfing and rock climbing. Over the course of the five days, the group covered almost 100 km while developing resilience, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills. The experience was a fantastic example of the determination and commitment required to complete the Gold Gaisce Award.
Creating Community Spaces and Learning New Skills
Members of one of our Silver Gaisce groups have been working on an exciting outdoor kitchen project within CLAY. Supported by our amazing maintenance man, Darren, the young people have been involved in designing and building the space, gaining practical experience and developing valuable hands-on skills.
As part of their Community Involvement challenge, the group has also been contributing to a number of small building projects around CLAY. Through this work, participants have developed teamwork, problem-solving abilities and a sense of pride in improving their local environment.
The project has sparked a strong interest in learning practical DIY skills, with several young people expressing a desire to continue working alongside our maintenance man. This has led to discussions about developing a new life skills programme focussed on basic DIY and maintenance skills for young people.
Staying Active and Healthy
Physical activity remains an important part of the Gaisce experience. Across our Gaisce groups, 15 young people have been regularly participating in keep-fit classes, helping them improve their fitness, wellbeing and resilience.
In addition, four young people have been pursuing individual physical recreation goals through football, boxing and dance. Their coaches have worked closely with CLAY to support participants in completing the physical recreation element of their Gaisce awards.
Earlier this year, a number of young people also completed a Hyrox programme as part of their Bronze Gaisce journey. Delivered in collaboration with two members of An Garda Síochána working in the Crumlin area, the programme encouraged participants to improve their fitness, set personal goals and build confidence through structured physical activity. The partnership highlighted the positive impact that community collaboration can have in supporting young people's development.
Taking Part in Community Celebrations
Community involvement has also been demonstrated through cultural and local events. Five young people participated in the CLAY St. Patrick’s Day drumming group as part of their Gaisce activities, contributing to local celebrations while developing new skills, confidence and teamwork.
Looking Ahead
The UBU Gaisce programme continues to provide meaningful opportunities for young people to challenge themselves, develop new skills and make a positive contribution to their community. From leadership development and outdoor adventures to international travel, community projects and physical activities, participants have shown dedication, resilience and a willingness to embrace new experiences.
We are incredibly proud of all the young people involved and look forward to supporting them as they continue their personal development journeys through Gaisce and beyond. Their achievements demonstrate the positive impact that youth work, opportunity and encouragement can have in helping young people realise their full potential.
You can learn more about Gaisce here
Gaisce Video
We were delighted that CLAY was chosen by Gaisce to take part in a video all about Gaisce outcomes and you can watch the video below, featuring our very own Youth Workers Toni & Joe along with some of our amazing young people and Gaisce Awardees!
Celebrating Sam’s Outstanding Achievement
Gaisce Gold Award
We are absolutely delighted to share some incredible CLAY news. At the end of last year, our young person Sam was formally presented with his Gaisce Gold Award by the President of Ireland - an achievement of the very highest level and one we are beyond proud to celebrate.
The Gaisce Gold Award is the most prestigious level of Ireland’s National Youth Award and represents an exceptional commitment to personal development, resilience and community involvement. Participants must dedicate a minimum of two years to the programme, completing challenges across four demanding areas:
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Personal Skill
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Physical Recreation
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Community Involvement
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Adventure Journey, including a challenging expedition
In addition, Gold Award participants also undertake a Residential Project, spending time away from home working with others on a shared activity.
Earning a Gold Gaisce Award requires determination, perseverance and a willingness to push beyond comfort zones - qualities that Sam has demonstrated consistently throughout his journey. From giving back to the community, to developing new skills and taking on physical and personal challenges, Sam has shown remarkable commitment every step of the way.
Receiving the award from the President of Ireland is a moment that reflects not only the scale of Sam’s achievement, but also the hard work, growth and resilience behind it. It is a milestone that few young people reach, and one that will stand with Sam for life.
We are incredibly proud of Sam and everything he has accomplished. His achievement is an inspiration to others and a powerful reminder of what young people can achieve when given the opportunity, support and belief to aim high.
Congratulations, Sam – a truly golden achievement. 🌟
Sam's Gold Award journey was supported by CLAY's dedicated Gaisce Gold PAL, Bob Kenny, whose support, mentorship and encouragement helped make this achievement possible.
Summer Highlights at CLAY Youth Project
This summer was one to remember! The young people at CLAY Youth Project packed their days with adventure, creativity, and plenty of laughs. From thrilling trips to residentials, here’s a look at what they accomplished!
Residential Adventures
We kicked things off with some residential trips where everyone got to spend time in nature, try new things, and bond as a group. These getaways were the perfect mix of team-building, personal challenges, and lots of fun!
YDP Gaisce Gold Trip to Finland
One of the biggest highlights was the YDP amazing trip to Finland! The group explored stunning landscapes, swapped stories and culture with locals, and pushed themselves with outdoor challenges. It was an unforgettable adventure!
YDP Gaisce Achill Island Adventure
Another unforgettable experience was the Gaisce trip to Achill Island. Amongst jaw-dropping views, the group participated in cycling and hiking challenges, enjoyed water sports, and created lasting memories together.
UBU Gaisce Programme
As part of their Gaisce UBU journey, the UBU group organised a coffee morning fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness - a fantastic event that showed just how passionate and community-minded our young people are. Young people also volunteered with younger Open Sessions.
Some of the young men planned an outdoor kitchen space and poured concrete with our maintenance man as a start to the plans – watch this space!
A group of young people worked closely with an artist to come up with a series of murals that represent their interpretation of CLAY’s values. These are now displayed on the wall in CLAY’s outside area (and you can see them on our Values Page).
Epic Day Trips
We didn’t stop there! Summer was filled with awesome day trips that brought out everyone’s adventurous side:
• Emerald Park: Thrilling rides and fun games made these trips a favourite among the young people.
• Zip It: An adrenaline-pumping day of zip-lining and climbing through the treetops.
• Bowling: Strikes, spares, and lots of friendly banter.
• Cinema Nights: Popcorn, big screens, and all the latest blockbusters.
• Clara Lara Trip: A day filled with adventure at this exciting outdoor activity park.
• Footee: A hilarious mash-up of football and golf. Engaging in this unique sport brought out the competitive spirit in everyone!
• Aquazone: Splash-tastic days at Aquazone provided fun and excitement for the young people.
• Theatre Trips: A chance to enjoy amazing performances, and be inspired.
Creative Sparks
The summer wasn’t just about adventure — our young people got seriously creative too! From arts and crafts sessions to the special CLAY’s Values Art Programme, everyone had a chance to express themselves through art, share their ideas, and connect with others.
Music Magic
And of course, music made its mark this summer. The UBU group came together to write, sing and record their very own single! It was a fantastic project that showcased their talent, teamwork, and creativity. You can listen to it below!
Fitness & Wellbeing
In conjunction with the Dublin South City Partnership we also introduced a 4-week fitness and wellbeing programme, where the group learned how to use different gym equipment, built up their confidence, and discovered how fun looking after your health can be. Feedback was brilliant — everyone walked away with new skills, knowledge, and a big sense of achievement.
Family Fun Day
We rounded off the summer with our Family Fun Day in CLAY. Young people and their families enjoyed inflatable games, a Gaming Van, bingo, balloon modelling, face painting, magic tricks, music from our young DJs as well as great raffle prizes and amazing food from McDonalds!
Huge Thanks to Our Youth Workers
None of this would have been possible without our amazing youth workers. Their energy, dedication, and support kept the whole programme buzzing all summer long. They were there every step of the way - encouraging, guiding, and making sure every young person got the most out of their experience. Big shoutout to them all for being absolute legends!
Wrapping Up
CLAY Youth Project had a vibrant and action-packed summer, filled with activities that promoted personal growth, teamwork, and creativity. We can’t wait to see what the next few months bring - more fun, more creativity, and more memories in the making!
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Young Voices, Big Sound: Our New Single is Here!
We are beyond proud to share an incredible achievement from the young people in CLAY - their very own original single! From the very first lyric to the final mix, this song was written, produced, sung, and played entirely by our talented group of young singers and musicians - Kate Rock, Emma Rock, Fatima Hmidouch, Abigail O’Keefe and Eve Mulvaney.
This wasn’t just about music - it was about teamwork, creativity, and courage. Every voice, every instrument, and every idea came together to create something truly beautiful. The result is a powerful reminder of what young people can achieve when they are given the space and support to shine.
A huge thank you to all the amazing young people for their energy and passion, to the fantastic Stevie & Max from Music Generation, the brilliant team at Red Rua Studio for their guidance and expertise, and to our dedicated UBU youth workers for supporting the journey every step of the way. And of course to CDYS for funding it, thank you!
This single is called 'If These Walls Could Talk' and is more than just a song - it’s a celebration of talent, collaboration, and possibility. And we can’t wait for you to hear it!
A Drumbeat of Joy!
CLAY's Second Year in the St. Patrick's Day Parade
For the second year in a row, CLAY young people had the incredible opportunity to be part of Dublin's legendary St. Patrick's Day Parade, bringing their rhythmic energy to the streets with their drumming performance. 10 Youth Projects from around Dublin participated as part of the CDYS group.
Building on Last Year’s Success
Last year, when our young people first took part in the parade, it was an exhilarating experience. For many of them it was their first time even at a St. Patrick's Day Parade, let alone performing in front of such a massive, cheering crowd! The excitement and nervousness were all part of the adventure. However, having had a taste of what the St. Patrick's Day Parade is all about, this year, they came back with even more passion and readiness to showcase their talents. The preparation was intense but rewarding. Weekly practice sessions were filled with laughter, teamwork, and the shared goal of creating something truly special. Each beat was perfected, and every rhythm was mastered. The young people worked really hard, honing their skills and learning to sync their drumming with the heartbeat of the city.
The Big Day: A Celebration of Unity and Culture
On St. Patrick's Day, as the CLAY young people took their place in the parade lineup, the air was buzzing with excitement. Dressed in vibrant costumes and carrying their drums with pride, they were ready to show Dublin what they had to offer. The streets were lined with thousands of spectators, all there to celebrate Ireland's culture and community spirit. As the parade began, the sound of the drums echoed through the city, filling the air with energy and joy. Our young people were at the heart of it all, drumming with passion, determination, and pride. Their performance was met with cheers and applause from the crowd, a testament to the hard work and dedication they had put in over the past months. It wasn't just about the performance, though. It was about being part of something bigger – a celebration of culture, unity, and community. For our young people, being part of the St. Patrick's Day Parade was a chance to connect with their heritage, express themselves creatively, and experience the thrill of performing in front of such a large, enthusiastic audience.
Taking part in the parade for a second year has helped our young people grow in so many ways. It has boosted their self-confidence, allowing them to step out of their comfort zones and take on new challenges. The sense of accomplishment they felt at the end of the day was palpable. Many of them have expressed how proud they are of what they’ve achieved and how grateful they are for the opportunity to represent our project and their community in such a prestigious event. We’re so proud of what they’ve achieved, and we can’t wait to see where their drumming journey takes them next!
Participating in the St. Patrick's Day Parade for the second time has been an unforgettable experience for our young people. A huge thank you to everyone who supported us along the way – from our brilliant drumming trainer, to the dedicated staff and to the families and friends who cheered us on. Here's to many more years of drumming, dancing, and celebrating together! Have a watch of the video below to see how we got on!
St Patrick's Day Parade 2025
St Patrick's Day Parade 2025
St Patrick's Day Parade 2025
St Patrick's Day Parade 2025
A Heartfelt Thank You to Martin,
ex-Chairperson and Board Director
It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that we say goodbye to our incredible ex-Chairperson and Board Director Martin Leavy. His impact over the years on CLAY, the Board, our team, and the young people has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment Martin joined our Board, he brought a unique vision, unwavering dedication, and a passion for helping others that truly set him apart. His leadership has not only guided us through times of growth and success but has also been a beacon of hope and inspiration for everyone who has crossed his path.
Thank you Martin for the countless hours, energy, and wisdom you’ve poured into CLAY. Your commitment to supporting the next generation has left a lasting mark, one that will continue to shape the lives of young people for years to come. We are forever grateful for your contributions, your leadership, and your heart.
Though we will miss your presence on the Board and around CLAY, your legacy will always be remembered, moulded into the foundation of our mission and values. You’ve helped us grow something strong, enduring, and impactful, and for that, we cannot thank you enough.
We wish you all the best in your future - you will always have a special place in our hearts and in CLAY.
Christmas In CLAY
Here in CLAY the lead up to Christmas is always very special and is our favourite week of the year! Every year we have CLAY's Santa's Grotto, lots of Christmas activities for the young people, panto trips and the ever popular Christmas dinner for the young people. Santa & Mrs Claus made a special trip to visit our grotto last week. We had a wonderful group of elves who brought energy and fun to our Grotto this year! A big thank you to all young people who helped decorate the centre, make the wooden Christmas trees, who set up for the evening and volunteered for hours to help out. Thank you to all the families who came to visit our lovely Santa! 80 young people attended Christmas Dinner in CLAY over 3 different sessions! The amazing week couldn’t and wouldn’t have happened without the staff team in CLAY, especially head Elf Brian preparing the centre for Santa! Also to our older young people Libby & Sam and former young person, but now volunteer, Kathlyn! We would be lost without you especially this week! So a big thank you from all of us. And finally thank you to our young people for putting so much into it all and making it such fun! Check out our slide gallery below!
Halloween In CLAY
What a great Halloween we had this year! All CLAY young people were engaged across our UBU, YDP and Early Intervention programmes. The teams kept the young people so busy throughout the mid-term break and Halloween. There were trips to Emerald Park, Bord Gais Theatre for Halloween Panto, Go Karting, Rock Climbing, Barista Training and Halloween Day Family Fun Festive in Eamonn Ceant (Sundrive Park) and Brickfield Park 🎃👻💀. Activities onsite in CLAY on Halloween included the ever popular Gaming Van, and this year we also had the Glam Van for the first time, Halloween Day Drop Ins, Halloween Night Outreach, Halloween themed wood burning activity, arts & crafts activities, as well as two staff birthdays for Bob & Christine and a very special 21st birthday for one of our young people! CLAY Youth Workers also engaged in Outreach, where they were out and about in the Community meeting young people where they are at. As part of our Halloween programme this year we increased this Outreach Programme and were all around Crumlin, Drimnagh, Brickfield & Eamon Ceannt Parks.
There was also a visit to the local Fire Station and a visit from the Community Gardai to CLAY to chat to some of our youngest members about staying safe at Halloween. Some of the CLAY team also, along with the Solas Project, D12 community representatives and An Garda Síochána were in attendance at the D12 Public Community Safety Forum prior to Halloween - all working together towards a safer Halloween for all young people in the community. Thank you to everyone who helped make our Halloween programme such a success and to our young people for putting so much into it all and making it such fun! Check out our slide gallery below!
CLAY Family Fun Day 2024
CLAY recently held a Family Fun Day for all the young people and families of CLAY as well as the local Community. It was a fantastic day and we were so lucky with the lovely sunny weather! A huge thank you to the CLAY team, all the amazing volunteers, our funders CDYS, IYJS YDP, Dublin City Council and to our Board of Directors as well as all the companies who contributed to the day. The fantastic McDonalds team who worked tirelessly, the amazing face painters, balloon modellers, magician and every single person who helped to make it such an amazing day for the young people and their families.
St. Patrick's Day Parade 2024
Some of CLAY's UBU young people took part in this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade as part of the City of Dublin Youth Services team participation. Their commitment prior to the Day of showing up weekly to learn a musical instrument and then representing their families and their youth project at the Parade on St. Patrick’s Day was one of the main highlights of the year. A first from some even to attend a St. Patrick's Day and the bonus for them was making onto TV, beamed to millions around the world!
Gaisce Awards 2024
Some of CLAY's YDP young people took part in this year's Gaisce Awards. Gaisce - The President’s Award is Ireland’s national youth award and is a self-development programme for young people aged 14-25. It is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, to all young people to dream big and fulfil their potential. One CLAY YDP young person recently completed his Gold Gaisce Journey in August when he spent 6 days in Achill Island and participated in a 104km cycle from Westport to Achill and back, followed by a 56km hike over an additional 2 days. He is one of three young people who completed this challenge and these young people are the first 3 people engaging in a YDP programme around Ireland to achieve this. CLAY's young person is also the youngest young person to complete the challenge. What an achievement - well done!!
Early Intervention Summer Programme Highlights
The YDP Early Intervention Summer programme 2024 provided a lot of young people with first time experiences which was amazing to see, this included: horse riding, Footie Golf, indoor rock climbing, paddle boarding on the canal, trips to Flynn Park, the Aquatic Centre, Zip Lining, Fort Lucan, Clara Lara and even a trip to the DSPCA! The EI Programme also worked in collaboration with CDETB’s Music Generation Programme to deliver a music programme to one group to foster emotional understanding and social connection. Through activities like group songwriting, rhythm games, and improvisation, the young people were encouraged to listen to one another, express emotions, and develop awareness of their peers' feelings.
UBU Youth Voices
Earlier in the year CLAY's UBU young people participated in City of Dublin Youth Voices in Croke Park with funders and government departments. The young people spoke about how youth work has impacted them positively. Young people also met with some TD’S regarding the funding for youth projects and what they would like seen done to improve the services for them as young people.
Barista Training
Young people from both CLAY's UBU and YDP Programmes, as well as the Solas Programme completed Barista training over the summer. The training was held in CLAY's new cabin in conjunction with the South Dublin City Partnership. This training proved both popular with, and very successful for, the young people especially between the ages of 16 to 18 with one young person taking up employment in a café since the training.
