Research report on ‘extraordinary’ youth project for neurodiverse young speakers launched as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge 2025

These comments were echoed by Dr Nig Óirc who stated:

‘As with all of our previous research on this project, we employed a participatory action research methodology that prioritised the voices of parents, youth workers, classroom assistants and Special Educational co-ordinators in three West Belfast Irish medium schools in compiling the data. Practitioners highlighted the importance of preserving and further developing inclusive spaces that foster meaningful relationships, and bridge the gap between formal and informal education.

“A range of excellent recommendations emerged that spoke to the need to create interdisciplinary networks; co-created holistic assessment tools; shared digital platforms that stengthen communication channels between schools and youth services to create a more seamless support system for young people. Ultimately this will require increased funding and resources to provide these marginalised young people with the opportunities they deserve to reach their full potential.”

Dr Nig Óirc’s findings were supported by the contribution of one of the parents of one of those young people involved in the project, Róisin Green said:

“As a single parent, knowing my children are in a safe, encouraging, and supportive environment has been a huge source of comfort. The benefits of this programme don’t stop at the doors of the youth club. I see it in their everyday lives—their confidence, their social skills, their independence. Every child, including those with additional needs, deserves to have their identity recognized, celebrated, and supported, empowering them to embrace who they are and reach their full potential.

Before this programme, my children found it difficult to build and maintain friendships. Now, I see them forming connections, developing their social skills, and growing in ways I never imagined.

This point was further developed by Project Co-ordinator, Padraigín Nic Mhathúna who stated:

“Sólás na nÓg plays a crucial role in ensuring that young people with additional needs—who face many barriers in accessing mainstream Irish-medium youth services—now have a dedicated space to learn, grow, and engage. We have developed a nurturing and holistic view of the young people involved, not only amplifying their voices but also considering the wider context in which they exist. In doing so, we aim to redefine inclusivity in youth education while advancing the Irish language as a driver of social change in disadvantaged communities like West Belfast.

“We are also looking to the future. We see this four-year project as only the beginning of something special and we would like to thank National Lottery Community Fund for their continued support which makes this work possible. The insights from this research will guide us in developing new models and resources to enhance our impact with the aim of sharing our collective learning far and wide.

“But we cannot do this alone and need to collaborate with our Irish medium schools and other experts in the field, including researchers in Queens University Belfast, who can help us not only sustain the programme but also capture the learning to share with others. This year, Sólaís na nÓg has made remarkable strides in expanding our offerings and scope of work to include key developments like LEGO-based therapy programme, our youth-led community; café Anam and tailored GAA sessions with CLG Laochra Loch lao specifically designed for young Irish speakers with additional physical and emotional needs.

“In addition, our young people have been central to the work on our new Croí na Carriage multipurpose capital facility and our aim to build a bespoke sensory room and sensory garden in the new facility to enable us to match the ambitious vision of Sólás na nÓg. That is why research like this is so vital. It gives us the evidence- base we need to drive change, to advocate for better policies and proper resources, and to ensure that no young person is left behind simply because the world has not adapted to include them.”

Seamus McCann from the National Community Fund endorsed the research and the project by saying:

“This project aimed to look at the social and emotional wellbeing of the young people and we can clearly see from today that they have done a great job. We asked for ongoing research and not us but to share for the wider sector. This report clearly states the positive impact the project has had on the social and emotional well-being of these young people and some of the quotes in this report are brilliant and show that the young people who come here feel happy and are supported to be themselves. As funders that is all we want.”

Read full resarch report here

For further information contact:

Padraigín Nic Mhathúna, padraigin@glornamona.com / and 07568474348

Full launch: