Youth Advisory Group
At Helium Arts, we believe that in order to work with young people, it is vital that you listen to them first. It’s this belief what makes our Youth Advisory Group such an important part of our organisation. The group was created so young people could help influence decision making about their own creative wellbeing, within and beyond participation in Helium’s programmes. Read below to find out more about the members of the YAG and hear why the group is important to them.
We are always looking for new members to join the Helium Arts Youth Advisory Group. To find out more, EMAIL: trudiegorman@helium.ie
Helium Arts Youth Advisory group is funded by the Arts Council, and Creative Ireland through Westmeath Arts Office.
Our Video
In 2022 the youth advisory group produced a short video. The video introduces who they are and what they do. along with a discussion of their experience in the YAG.
Owen
My name is Owen and I’m from Westmeath.
I have multiple hobbies. My favourite is probably Dungeon and Dragons. I use it as an escape with my friends where we can be someone else for a few hours a week and forget about our problems and have some fun. I’m normally a dungeon master where I lead the story through quests and non player characters. A personal favourite moment was when I had a player outsmart me as dm. They used an ability to dodge a bridge. So D&D is my favourite hobby.
My favourite cuppa is a mocha with a shot of caramel or a caramel frappe with a double espresso shot.
The YAG is a group of like minded young people with various illnesses coming together to make amazing things. Arts range from art works to films helping people connect.
I joined the YAG in 2019 after being invited to an in person meeting at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin. I honestly was a little confused after the first meeting but at my second, there was a moment where the room became super open and everyone was so accepting and accommodating of what was being discussed.
I think arts and creativity are vital to my happiness. As someone who cosplays a lot. I find making costumes to be incredibly therapeutic. Even if it’s drawing, building Lego or even playing games like dungeons and dragons or minecraft creativity is everywhere around you. Being creative helps keep you active and busy especially when in lockdown.
The YAG is a group of people in similar circumstances with different illnesses. The best thing the YAG does is help us connect and meet new people and form friendships. I think the YAG is great. It can really help young people to feel like they contribute to Helium Arts in a beneficial way after their program finishes. That’s special and a wonderful thing.