County Waterford No Name club members recognised for positive change

Members of a No Name Club in County Waterford have been recognised for driving positive change among Ireland's youth.

Dungarvan No Name Club volunteers were acknowledged at a prestigious event in Tullamore which was the No Name Club Annual National Volunteer Conference.

Founded in 1978, No Name Club is a national, voluntary youth organisation that empowers young people aged 15 to 18 to socialise in a safe, fun environment - free from the pressures of alcohol and drugs. 

Today the clubs, one of which is held in Dungarvan, play a vital role in helping members build confidence, friendships, and life skills while avoiding the risks of peer pressure.

At the No Name Club Annual National Volunteer Conference volunteers were celebrated for the vital role they play in clubs nationwide, including dedicated members of No Name Club Dungarvan. 

A spokesperson for No Name Club highlighted the impact the clubs, and the work of the volunteers, has on the lives of members.

She said 96 per cent of members feel reduced pressure to use alcohol or substances while 93 per cent reported increased confidence and self-esteem.

Ninety-one per cent of members have experienced personal development and 81 per cent reported improved mental wellbeing.

The social aspect of being a member is also very important and the spokesperson said 95 per cent have made new friendships through the club.

The safety aspect of the club is also very important with the spokesperson highlighting that members feel 100 per cent safe, welcome and respected within their club environment.  Volunteers also took part in workshops with guest speakers from leadership, addiction counselling and mental health outreach.

Among the guest speakers were Cathy Farrell, from  LIFT Ireland, building leadership values across Irish society and Barry Grant, Extern Problem Gambling Ireland - an advocate for gambling harm prevention.

Perhaps the most high profile speaker at the event was John Lonergan, former Governor of Mountjoy Prison, who is a respected voice on leadership, mental health and social justice.   The conference was chaired by No Name Club’s new CEO, Jack O’Brien, himself a former member and long-time volunteer of the Dungarvan club. 

Commenting on the event he said: "We’re so grateful to all our volunteers, without whom the No Name Clubs around the country would simply not exist. The research proves the lasting impact these clubs have on young people; and it’s important to celebrate that.”

“We also want to thank our speakers for delivering such powerful insights," said Mr O'Brien, after the event.

"Their contributions will help us carry new learning into our work with clubs in the year ahead.”

Currently operating in nine counties and supported by the HSE and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, No Name Club engages with almost 500 young people across Ireland. To find out more or locate your nearest club, visit https://nonameclub.ie or call into The Fusion Centre, Dungarvan Sports Centre, Ringnasilloge Avenue, Childers Estate, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (X35 P922).