How the Vhi Health and Wellbeing Fund is tackling anxiety and powering youth resilience in Ireland
Good health in childhood lays the foundation for confidence, stability, and strong decision-making in adulthood, but today's children are facing growing threats to their wellbeing, and the challenges they face are far-reaching.
Across Ireland, youth organisations are creating safe spaces where young people can feel supported, seen and empowered to prioritise their mental and physical health. Their work is vital but also requires time, compassion and most critically, funding.
Thankfully, the Vhi Health and Wellbeing Fund is on a mission to support the programmes making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
Tackling anxiety one project at a time
Recent research by the Irish Youth Foundation revealed that 75pc of youth workers regularly observe anxiety in the young people they support, while lack of funding remains their biggest challenge.
In 2021, the Irish Youth Foundation released a study which showed that a majority of the 6000 people on a waiting list to see a psychologist were children. Health officials have since reported a four- to six-fold increase in referrals of children under 12 for mental health evaluations through GPs.
Since 2020, Vhi, in partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation, has been helping youth organisations through the Vhi Health and Wellbeing Fund, supporting initiatives that focus on tackling anxiety and strengthening resilience in young people across Ireland.
Lifechanging support from the grassroots
This year's campaign ambassador, Jack Woolley, knows the importance of resilience better than most. The two-time Olympian and Dancing with the Stars contestant has been open about his own experience managing anxiety and staying mentally strong in the face of challenges, both on and off the competition stage.
'Growing up, my community and local youth groups played a huge role in supporting my Olympic dream, and they have encouraged me through all the highs and lows of my career so far,' Jack said.
'I've seen first-hand how important it is to maintain a healthy mind and body to reach your full potential. Vhi is providing vital funding to youth groups around Ireland who help young people to manage symptoms of anxiety and build resilience, and I'd encourage all youth groups to check it out and apply.'
Since its launch, the Vhi Health and Wellbeing Fund has supported 44 youth-led projects in counties including Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Galway, Limerick and Donegal, reaching over 6,000 young people directly and over 200,000 indirectly through wider community impact. For 2025, Vhi is making €85,000 in funding available to non-profit and youth organisations working in these counties.
The goal: to support projects that empower young people to build resilience and manage anxiety with a focus on early intervention and prevention.
Sarah Edmonds, CEO of the Irish Youth Foundation, explained the importance of having the Vhi Health and Wellbeing Fund available as a resource saying, 'Young people are increasingly exposed to situations which create anxiety, and they often do not have access to necessary supports which can help improve resilience.
'The impact of the Vhi Health and Wellbeing Fund since 2020 has been inspiring and I am looking forward to seeing similar results in 2025. I would encourage all organisations working in the youth sector to apply.'
Brian Walsh, CEO of Vhi Group, also emphasised the fund's long-term vision: 'Now in its fifth year, the fund demonstrates our firm commitment to support programmes that are making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. By investing in community-based projects that tackle anxiety and build resilience, we are fostering a healthier and more sustainable future.'
The Vhi Health and Wellbeing Fund is a lifeline for non-profits and youth groups doing this crucial work. If you're part of a youth-focused organisation with a vision for helping young people navigate anxiety and build resilience, now is the time to apply.
The impact of the Vhi Health and Wellbeing Fund since 2020 has been inspiring and Vhi is looking forward to seeing similar results in 2025. Vhi is encouraging all organisations working in the youth sector to apply. For more information, or to make an application, visit https://iyf.ie/grants/. Applications are now open and will close at midnight on Wednesday, 11th June 2025.
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