YARD (Young Adults Reality Dreams) is a youth support programme operating at the back of Columba House in Queen Street. It's also the newest venture of local priest Father Neal Carlin, founder of White Oaks and the IOSAS centre in County Donegal. The project is funded by the International Fund for Ireland and the Rural Development Council.
Last month, Claire Stewart (administrator), Oonagh McAlister (youth advocate) and Aine Wilson (counsellor specialising in addiction) took up their new posts at YARD.

And they want young people to volunteer for their new pilot programme -which begins on February 22 - to discover what young people in the North West want to get out of the project.

Father Neal says: "The philosophy of the basic Christian community is developed by looking at society's needs, praying about them and responding in a positive way."

Developed by the Columba community, YARD aims to encourage the personal, social and spiritual development of young people aged 16-25.
One of the projects is called 'Back 2 Ur Roots' which, using an holistic approach, provides young people educational supported and accredited training. There is also specialised addiction counselling for participants as well as providing support for families and young people affected by addiction.

YARD also has a drop-in space, full time counsellor on hand, family support programmes and help on the road to employability.
Key to YARD's aim is spirituality.

The project will encourage young people to make healthy decisions in all aspects of their lives through improved emotional reliance and mental well being; improved access to appropriate services to deal with mental illness and addiction and providing complementary support for young people.

Participants can attain accredited qualifications, take life skills workshops in cookery, money management, gardening - and take part in self esteem building sessions.

To access services at YARD, young people can refer themselves or a family member. Young people can also come in any time and see what's on offer.
The Columba Community will hold a two day weekend family support programme on March 13 and 14 for adults over 18.

The weekend is for anyone affected by drinking, drug taking or gambling of a family member, friend or co-worker. It's an opportunity to look at and understand the effects of addiction on your life and your family.

To book a place for this weekend or the pilot course, contact Claire on 71269113.