Our Programmes

Below you will find information on your range of programmes.

1. Meal Service & Nutrition Programme

A healthy and nutritious meal is provided for service users on a daily basis.  This gives young people a chance to have a meal in a friendly and homely environment.  The meal service takes place on a daily basis and young people are encouraged to participate in the shopping, preparationa and cooking of food, to help learn about the health and nutritional benefits of good food as well as how to shop healthily on a budget.

A cookbook was created in 2007 with service users.  It contains healthy and economical recipes.  The cookbook is easy to follow, with lots of helpful photographs for each step of the recipe.  Once printed, each service-user was given a cookbook to take home and we now include a cookbook in the moving-on pack given to service-users who secure accommodation.

2. Counselling Programme

This service enables young people to take control of their lives in a positive and empowering way. Read More>>

3. Arts & Crafts

This service is intended to give young people the freedom to express themselves and explore their own talents in a way which may not have been possible before. Staff take care to ensure that resources are available in accordance with the particular interests of the young people. Read More>>

4. Education, Training & Employment

This programme enables the young person to identify their skills and potential and encourage them to return to education or employment. Following evaluation of this service by staff, a big effort was made to ensure that all relevant information on education, training and employment was sourced and made available, service-users were accompanied as required to education forums and meetings and staff liaised as necessary with educational facilities on behalf of service-users. With the installation of a new computer suite, basic computer training  was offered to all service-users where they were taught to set up e mail accounts, send e mails, research information and apply for jobs online.  A few of our service-users have take up college courses, some have found employment and some remain in school.  GDYS on occasion has also helped towards funding college registration fees and schoolbooks where possible, to encourage young people to remain in education.Read More>>

5. Health Programme, Shower and Laundry Facilities

This programme was designed to focus on the young person's health needs in a holistic way.  A washing machine and dryer allowas for the provision of a laundry service at No 4  and has proven to be an invaluable resource for our service-users.  A 'healthy lifestyle booklet'which examines issues such as stress, exercise, healthy eating, sexual health and health promotion programmes and services is available to young people and is included in the up-dated 'moving on' pack. Read More>>

6. Health Promotion

Tagaste House is a health promoting service and practices at the Centre are based on policies and procedures to ensure the health and safety of all. Based on the health promotion work ongoing in the Centre we applied for and received the Silver Health Quality Mark Award in 2003 and again in 2007. Read More>>

7. Accompaniment

Over the past two years the need for accompaniment and outreach services has grown and staff have needed to become increasingly flexible as a result. Some clients require practical help in accessing services, accommodation and even basic tasks such as grocery shopping or visiting the dentist. Others have required support for court appearances, college open-days and applying for jobs.  Efforts continue to ensure staff are available to accompany and assist with whatever tasks are required.Read More>>

8. Movie Night

The ‘Pizza and Movie Night' was a programme we began for the first time in 2007 after consultation with service-users. It is a winter initiative designed to give young people a chance to socialise in a safe and friendly environment and enjoy relaxing in the company of other people.  This programme proved very successful and we ran it again in the winter months of 2008-2009.Read More>>

9. Outings

Outings take place twice a year and trips have included the Cliffs of Moher and Ailwee Caves, horseriding and trips to the ice-skating rink which comes to Galway every winter.  During the summer months staff and service-users regularly take day trips around Galway City.  Service-users are consulted on ideas for outings. Read More>>

10. Activities

Activities at No. 4 are tailored to suit the individual needs and interests of our clients. These activities are designed to meet all aspects of their well being and to promote their social, emotional, physical and mental development. Read More>>

11. Soccer

 In 2008 wer were invited to put forward a team for a five-a-side street soccer league taking place in Galway.  This league consists of three matches per team on Mondays between 4.00pm and 6.00pm and training takes place each Friday at 6.00pm.  GDYS purchased jerseys for the team and this boosted pride and team spirit amongst those who took part.  Having access to the GDYS car meant that staff could transport the team to the sessions.  The team spirit and commitment of all participants has greatly influenced the level of enjoyment derived from this programme.  This programme which gives young people an opoortunity to engage in physical activity and meet with other people has been very successful. Read More>>

12. Driving Programme

In October 2008, GDYS launched a pilot driving programme where, after a course of ten weeks training in road safety, car maintenance and driver awareness, GDYS will fund the driver theory test and two driving lessons for each participant. Read More>>