Garda Projects

LAB Garda Diversion Project

The programme was set up to divert young people from getting involved in criminal activity.

A multi-agency initiative funded by the Dept. of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The L.A.B. project aims to engage young people in alternative constructive activities and to assist them to develop to their full potential.

Background

In 1998, Cabinteely & Shankill Gardai and Dun Laoghaire Youth Service came together in order to initiate a response to the problematic behaviour of young people in Loughlinstown and Ballybrack area.

It was proposed that a programme modelled on other juvenile prevention programme would be appropriate. Cabinteely & Shankill Gardai in co-operation with Dun Laoghaire Youth Service, secured funding for a Garda Special Project for the Loughlinstown/ Ballybrack area and a co-ordinator was appointed for the L.A.B. Project, Loughlinstown and Ballybrack.

Aims of Project

• The overall aim of the Project is to enhance community spirit within the community and in the surrounding areas of Ballybrack/ Loughlinstown.
• To provide programmes and activities for young people between the ages of 10 to 18 years within the community.
• To contribute towards the improvement of life for young people living in the above areas.
• To offer to young people the opportunity for personal development and to encourage positive social behaviour through youth work programmes and other activities.
• To enhance the relationships between the Gardai and young people and their families living in the above communities.

Objectives of the project

• To identify and work directly with young people at risk of being in trouble with the law.
• To provide young people with skills and alternative ways to spend their leisure time .
• To foster positive relationships between young people, local residents, community groups and those in authority.

Who is the project aimed at?

The project is for young people between the ages of 10 and 18 years who live in Loughlinstown or Ballybrack.

What will Participants do?

The focus of the project is one of caring and support. While the initial introduction is through leisure based activities, the project aims to challenge the participants' behaviour and attitudes and to support them, to interrupt their cycle of anti-social behaviour and offending.

The young people are involved with L.A.B. will agree a programme with project staff that will address their needs. Activities are chosen on the basis of their educational, developmental and social merit.

Activities include:

• Music & Computers
• Photography & Multimedia
• Arts, crafts & Drama
• Community Awareness Initiatives
• Woodwork Classes
• Drop-Ins
  Sport
• Outward Bounds Activities - rock-climbing, canoeing

A minimum charge applies

Getting Involved

Recommendations are taken from agencies and community workers in the Loughlinstown and Ballybrack areas. For example the Gardai, Community Development Projects, local clergy, School Liaison Co-ordinators, probation and Welfare Service, Social Workers and the Health Board among others.

The Project also takes recommendations from residents, parents and the young people themselves. Participation in the Project is voluntary.

L.A.B. Resource Fund Support for Youth/ Sports Groups

Youth/ Sport Groups are invited to apply to a limited fund established by the project

• The scheme will assist youth/sport organisations in Loughlinstown/ Ballybrack with additional resources for their programmes
• Groups will acknowledge the support of the L.A.B. Project for their programmes in any Publicity and Promotional Material.
• Groups seeking funding will identify their target group as well as the likely number of young people who will benefit from any additional resources.
• An application procedure and assessment of application format will be drawn up by the Project management.

For further information please contact the LAB co-ordinator (see below)

Management of the Project

The project is managed by Dun Laoghaire Youth Service in co-operation with an advisory committee representing the Gardai, Probation and Welfare Service and the local schools and community. They meet on a monthly basis.

Where are we?

We are based in Loughlinstown Community Rooms at the rear of Loughlinstown Shopping Centre, Loughlinstown, Co. Dublin