Solas Project

Last week was National Volunteer Week and what better way to mark the occasion than with our Volunteer Celebration!

It was a special opportunity to recognise the incredible people who give their time, care, and energy to support our young people week in and week out. But more than that, it was a chance to celebrate the young people themselves and all they continue to achieve.

Throughout the night, young people shared powerful reflections on the impact volunteers have had in their lives, alongside a moving musical performance as a heartfelt thank-you. We also heard from local Gardaí and corporate partners about the positive difference these relationships and programmes are making across the wider community.

Since 2007, volunteers have been at the heart of Solas Project. Their consistency, encouragement, and belief in young people help create spaces where young people can grow in confidence, feel supported, and realise their potential.

To every volunteer who has walked alongside our young people over the years, thank you 🌟

A special moment worth celebrating 💛

Young people in Oberstown Children Detention Campus decided they wanted to give back to others in the community by creating and selling handmade wreaths, with proceeds going towards Solas Project. Together, they raised €1,000 for our Compass Prison Programme.

This was a powerful example of young people showing initiative and care for others. We are so grateful for their support and proud to see young people using their creativity and effort to help make a positive impact.

Pictured here is Éanna, our Compass Team Leader, receiving the cheque from Gráinne, the Oberstown Advocacy Advisor.

*MEET THE TEAM*

Lorna joined us in October 2025 as our Junior After Schools Club Leader. Prior to this, she worked with the Peter McVerry Trust during college before moving to a Children’s Residential Service in the North Inner City. In her own words:

“I love creating a safe and supportive space for young people to express themselves and discover their strengths and capabilities. No two days are the same, but one thing is guaranteed: we’re going to have fun while learning to navigate life!”

Lorna holds a BA in Applied Social Care from TU Dublin. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, often planning her next holiday. She also loves relaxing days with her nanny, having the chats and doing some colouring together.

Responding to the Research Part 1: Education

Following the recent launch of “A Socioeconomic Analysis of Dublin’s South West Inner City” by Dr. Barra Roantree, and some of the stark findings it revealed, we want to share more about what we as an organisation are actively doing to address the statistics through our targeted work in the South West Inner City (SWIC).

The report revealed that third-level progression rates for students in the area are less than half the national average. In our latest blog post, we highlight our Solas@School Futures Programme and the work being done to ensure young people in the community are given opportunities to explore their options, broaden their horizons, and make informed decisions about their futures.

Read the full blog: solasproject.com/blog-posts/a-brighter-future-from-stats-to-opportunities

A huge well done to our team and young people who took on the Dublin Half Marathon 👏🏃
Taking on a challenge like this takes real courage, commitment, and determination, and we’re so proud of everyone who stepped up and crossed that finish line.

In the words of Ashling, our Justice Programme Manager:
“In this job, we get to be alongside young people as they achieve great things. Today, young people and their youth workers took on a challenge they all feared and overcame together. What a day.”

A brilliant reminder of what can happen when young people are supported to challenge themselves and realise what they’re capable of 💛

A big thanks to Dublin City Council for supporting us and providing our tickets

We’re looking for volunteers for our After Schools Summer Programme ☀️

Each summer, from mid-July to mid-August, we run a 5-week programme for local children aged 5–10, filled with fun activities, adventures, and opportunities to grow in a safe and supportive space.

As a volunteer, you’ll help create a home-away-from-home by building relationships, playing, listening, and making memories along the way 💛

📅 Mid-July to Mid-August
🕤 9:30am–4pm (Tues–Thurs)
✅ Minimum commitment: 3 weeks (9 days)

Interested? Get in touch at [email protected]
https://solasproject.com/volunteer

*MEET THE TEAM*

Joe joined us in November 2025 as a Youth Justice Worker on our Compass Team. He cares deeply about supporting young people to realise a greater potential for their lives. In his own words:

“When I was a teen, my youth workers were absolutely crucial in my development, so getting to see young people get the same support that I did is so meaningful to me.”

Joe brings seven years of youth work experience and holds an honours degree in Biblical Theology and Leadership. He’s lived in Dublin his whole life and outside of work loves listening to and playing music, staying active through exercise and sport (particularly basketball and football), and has been a fan of video games since he was a kid.

Reminder that applications close next Tuesday‼️