Youth Health
Promoting health and wellbeing in the youth work sector
National Youth Health Programme
The National Youth Health Programme (NYHP) is a partnership between the National Youth Council of Ireland, the Health Service Executive and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
The NYHP is dedicated to developing and promoting a culture within the youth sector which focuses on health and wellbeing by building the capacity of the youth workers and volunteers. NYHP also acts as a conduit between grass roots experience and the development of public policy and national strategy in the area of youth health and wellbeing.
National Health Promotion Strategy
The National Health Promotion Strategy (2000-2005) identified a range of population groups, settings and topics for health promotion action.
This strategy clearly named youth organisations and the out-of-school settings as having an essential role in promoting health with young people.
Youth Health Training
Specialist Certificate in Youth Mental Health Promotion – September 2024 – May 2025
The National Youth Health Programme delivers the Specialist Certificate in Youth Health Promotion in conjunction with University of Galway every second year. The course aims to encourage, support and facilitate youth organisations to become effective settings for health.
Programme Award: Certificate in Health Promotion (Level 7) – Specialist Certificate in Youth Health Promotion awarded by University of Galway.
Relationship Education and Sexuality Wellbeing in the Youth Work Sector eLearning
This e-learning is a building block for you to strengthen your capacity in supporting young people to develop their sexual health.
An Introduction to Youth Sexual Health Promotion eLearning
This e-learning is a building block for you to strengthen your capacity in supporting young people to develop their sexual health.
Wellbeing Hub
If you are a youth worker or work with young people, our wellbeing hub has been developed with your needs in mind.
We’ve developed evidence based, tailored supports for those who work with young people and now we’ve brought these together for you to access in one place, as and when you need them, free of charge.
Health Quality Mark
NYCI has developed the Health Quality Mark (HQ Mark) as a health promotion initiative with a view to enhancing best practice and a high standard of quality in all aspects of health promotion in youth organisations.
The HQ Mark is a set of quality standards in youth health promotion.
Mental Health Signposting
One of the key findings from the Mental Health Needs Assessment, carried out by the National Youth Health Programme, was the need to support organisations, practitioners and young people access appropriate mental health services.
In response to this need a Youth Mental Health Signposting tool was developed.
Youth Health News
Blakestown and Mountview Neighbourhood Youth Project awarded Bronze Health Quality Mark
Sophie Quinn and Kelley Saunders, members of the Health Promotion Team at Blakestown and Mountview Neighbourhood Youth Project were awarded a Bronze Standard Health Quality Mark (HQM) by The National Youth Health Programme Health promotion officer Bríd Collins on behalf of NYCI, in recognition of their work on health promotion for young people.
Limerick Youth Service awarded Silver Health Quality Mark
Limerick Youth Service was awarded a Silver Standard Health Quality Mark (HQM) by NYCI in recognition of their work on health promotion for young people.
Safer Internet Day 2025: “Prepare, protect, thrive: navigating algorithms and influencers.”
Youth workers have a critical role in supporting young people to navigate digital spaces safely and responsibly. That’s why, to mark Safer Internet Day, we’ve compiled some useful free resources to support you in this important work.
Youth Health Publications
Stay Safe Online: A Guide to Reporting Cyber-bullying
For cyberbullying to stop, it needs to be identified. To do this, reporting is key. Reporting can also help show the perpetrator that their behaviour is […]
Stay Safe Online: Empowering Young Minds Against Cyberbullying
This resource was developed by the National Youth Health Programme in response to conversations with youth workers across the island of Ireland in relation to cyberbullying […]
National Youth Health Programme Booklet
Your guide for everything that the National Youth Health Programme has to offer you