The Youthreach research was presented at 11th international action research colloquium - Action Research for a Sustainable Future.
This focused on how the Youthreach Employee Wellbeing Report 2022 research completed by Michael Kenny, Jolanta Burke and Bernie Grummell can create sustainable futures for employees in the sector.
The report indicates significant challenges facing the sector including workload pressures, difficulties taking time-off, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of recognition of the role and responsibilities of Youthreach staff.
Despite workplace stress, the findings nonetheless indicate wellbeing among Youthreach staff as relatively high, as employees reported significant psychological and social resources that help them deal with work-related challenges, while also developing skills to help them cope with adversity. Researchers also found that personal commitment, values and positive relationships that are formed between Youthreach employees and learners underpin the resilience of Youthreach staff.
The Youthreach Programme is the Irish government’s primary response to early school leaving and was designed to provide young people with access to education and training, progression and social inclusion. It is designed as an integrated education, training and work experience programme that has a strong emphasis on personal development.