Aspire is a dynamic project that brings together the best of two long-standing initiatives, ‘The Daybreak Programme’ and ‘Youth Outreach Project’, under the UBU: Your Place, Your Space funding stream, supported by the Department of Education and Youth.
Aspire is dedicated to supporting young people aged 10-25, with a particular focus on LGBTI+ Young People, Young Travellers, Early School Leavers, and Rural Youth Clubs.
Aspire offers a range of targeted programmes to meet individual needs, including Classroom-Based Assessments (CBA), One-to-One Supports, Tailored Programmes, and Youth Club Programmes.
Why We Exist
Aspire is designed to support young people in reaching their full potential. Our approach aligns with the 5 National Outcomes for young people and the 7 Proximal Outcomes, focusing on: Communication, Confidence, Planning & Problem Solving, Relationships, Creativity, Resilience & Emotional Intelligence.
We work to design programmes that allow the full potential of each participant to be realised. These programmes include Personal & Social Development, Life Skills, Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Internet Safety, Sexual Health Awareness, Positive Mental Health Awareness, and more.
Aspire also provides a free and confidential one-to-one support service (Youth Talk Donegal) for young people aged 12-25 who may be experiencing issues such as bullying, identity concerns, family conflict, school-related problems, or friendship difficulties.
Where We Operate
Aspire operates across Donegal, supporting affiliated youth clubs and projects with a membership of over 2,500 young people (ages 5-25) and 450+ dedicated adult volunteers.
We provide support to youth clubs through Garda Vetting, Child Protection Awareness Training, Accredited Volunteer and Youth Leader Training, Youth Club Activities, Seasonal Events, Summer Camps, and more.
When It All Began
Aspire emerged from the merger of two long-running projects, ‘The Daybreak Programme’ and ‘Youth Outreach Project,’ under a funding stream, ‘UBU: Your Place, Your Space.’
The project is continuously active, offering year-round programmes, workshops, and support services to young people in Donegal.
This project is funded by:
UBU Your Place Your space, Departments of Education and Youth, Donegal ETB and the National Lottery