Young people from Tipperary announced as Local Champions by the National Youth Council of Ireland

The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), which represents organisations working with young people nationwide, has launched its Local Champions initiative for 2025. The campaign aims to ensure increased investment in young people and youth work locally and nationally. Chloe Mitchell and Denise Harding have been selected as Local Champions for Tipperary.

Grace McManus, NYCI campaigns manager explained: “As part of the Local Champions project, a group of passionate and dedicated young people have been selected as representatives from their communities, tasked with meeting their local politicians and championing the cause of youth work.”

The Local Champions received training and support from NYCI to effectively convey the positive impact youth work has on their lives and the lives of young people in the local area, as well as the importance of investing in youth work. NYCI is calling for an increased investment of €21 million in youth work in Budget 2026, to support services with increasing pressures, and ensure equal access to youth work for all young people nationwide.

The representatives Local Champions in Tipperary are engaging with TDs Seamus Healy, Mattie McGrath, Michael Murphy, Alan Kelly, Michael Lowry and Ryan O'Meara.

Denise said: “I’m delighted to remain as a Local Champion representing Tipperary again this year and to continue advocating for the importance of youth work in Ireland and the vital funds needed.”

Chloe said: “I am thrilled to be selected as the Local Champion because it represents an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful difference in our community. This role helps us amplify local voices, bring people together, and contribute to positive change on a larger scale. Being chosen for this position fills me with pride as it recognizes not just my dedication, but also the potential we have as a community to grow stronger together. I am looking forward to collaborating with others and turn our shared vision into reality.”

The Local Champions initiative will include activities such as engaging with policymakers, sharing personal stories, and using social media to raise awareness and mobilise support. Through these efforts, NYCI and the Local Champions aim to create a broader understanding of the significance of youth work and its positive impact on society.

The initiative is part of NYCI's campaign ahead of Budget 2026 later this year, to ensure that young people and youth work receive the necessary investment and support they deserve. The Local Champions initiative is supported by the Community Foundation Ireland.

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland added: "Empowering Generations is central to our mission as a philanthropic hub for Ireland. To achieve that goal we’re delighted to be partners with NYCI. The Local Champions network aims to amplify the voices of young people and showcase the transformative power of youth work. It is bringing together an inspirational group of young people, and we look forward to seeing them connecting with their local representatives to share how youth work changes lives.”

To learn more about the Local Champions Initiative and NYCI's efforts to advocate for increased investment in youth work, please visit youth.ie