DEAs Help to Build Resilience in Young People Across the District

Downpatrick, Rowallane and Slieve Croob District Electoral Areas (DEAs) in association with Lisburn YMCA have taken a creative approach to helping our young people build resilience skills as they transition from primary to post primary education.

The ‘YMCA Building Up’ is a schools-based programme, delivered over six sessions to pupils aged 10 to 13 years. It is designed to support the development of emotional wellbeing and confidence in young people. Students who take part in the programme develope strategies and  resilient processes to increase their knowledge and ability to cope with change.

The programme uses games and discussions to introduce eight areas of skill which are described as the eight building blocks to resilience. They include believing in our abilities, recognising our feelings, being able to understand other peoples’ feelings, giving ourselves time to think when things happen, identifying the cause of problems, understanding how to stay optimistic, setting achievable goals and asking for help when it is needed.

The programme was delivered to four schools which included The Academy, Saintfield; St. Caolan’s, Darragh Cross; Cumran, Clough and St. Brigid’s Downpatrick.

All participating schools have been unanimous in their praise for the programme and its content. Principals have said that they have noticed a positive change in the pupils who have progressed through the sessions.

Rowallane DEA Vice Chairperson, Councillor David Lee-Surginor, said “The world today can bring many challenges for our young people particularly where they face change, such as the transition from primary to secondary education. Programmes like the ‘YMCA Building Up’ are vital to equip our young people with increased knowledge and skills to develope resilience and cope when they are faced with difficult situations.”

Slieve Croob DEA Vice Chairperson, Councillor Alan Lewis said, “I am delighted to receive so much positive feedback from both the school Principals and students who have participated on this programme. Equipping our young people with the skills and techniques necessary to face change, will result in increased confidence as they progress to new surroundings, I wish all those who took part in the programme every success in their future endeavours.”