63% of young people in Carlow believe their mental and emotional health could be better

Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board’s (KCETB) youth office conducted a survey of 276 young people in Kilkenny and Carlow. The majority of those surveyed were aged between ten and eighteen years old. 

66% of participants think their physical health could be better and 63% believe their mental and emotional health could be better, while 37% are unsure if they feel positive about their future.

While 68% of the young people surveyed said they feel happy and satisfied with their lives, 62% said they are worried about school and exam pressure. 40% of those surveyed said they have felt left out, isolated or discriminated against.

Other findings within the survey show that 39% of the young respondents said they are most worried about their mental wellbeing. However, 82% of respondents said that they have an adult in their lives that they can talk to and get support when needed.

Commenting on the survey results, Saoirse Prendergast, KCETB Youth Officer said “Understanding the current issues that affect young people is crucial so we can continue to support the services that provide young people with the programmes, supports and activities they need and want. The high level of mental health and emotional wellbeing difficulties, as evidenced by the survey, highlight the need for continued targeted youth work programmes and services to support young people.”

KCETB’s Youth Office is responsible for the provision, co-ordination, administration and assessment of youth work in Kilkenny and Carlow. This survey was conducted in February 2023. Earlier this year, the KCETB Youth Office pledged €1.2million to youth services and voluntary youth clubs in Kilkenny and Carlow. Services providers that benefit from the funding include Ossory Youth Services, Carlow Regional Youth Services, Foróige DRUM Youth Project and Health Café, Kilkenny, and several voluntary youth clubs and groups across the two counties.