Save Don’t Box Me In: Supporting Vulnerable Youth in Keady
Donation protected
We urgently need your help. Our project, which has been a lifeline to young people in Keady since 2017, is facing a severe funding crisis. Without immediate support, we may be forced to shut down by the end of this year.
Don’t Box Me In is more than just a youth group. We offer a sanctuary to young people aged 8 to 25 who struggle to engage in mainstream activities due to challenges like disability, cultural differences, experiences within the care system, or involvement in antisocial behaviour. For these young people, DBMI is often their only refuge from the isolation and negative influences they face. Our program offers an inclusive environment where young people can express themselves through art, drama, music, and other creative outlets.
In the past year alone, we’ve made a significant impact:
- Over 800 attendances at 71 workshops, giving young people opportunities to learn, grow, and build new skills.
- Six young leaders completed Level One Youth Leadership Training through Youth Action, empowering them to become positive role models in our community.
- We created a Silent Movie, showcased as part of a live musical, entirely produced by our young people.
- Two inspiring art exhibitions were held in Keady Library and the Market Place Theatre, featuring our participants' work—some of whom had never been given the chance to share their talents before.
- We were recognised by the ABC Council with commendations at two Community Development Awards.
The Urgency of Our Situation:
Despite our success, our future is uncertain. For the past seven years, our volunteer-driven Executive Committee has worked tirelessly to raise over £200,000 to provide high-quality activities and employ local staff. However, due to drastic cuts in funding for the youth and charitable sectors, we are now struggling to keep the project alive. If we are unable to secure additional funding, Don’t Box Me In will have to close its doors, leaving dozens of young people at risk of falling back into isolation.
The thought of letting these young people down is heartbreaking, especially when we’ve seen firsthand how DBMI has changed lives. One parent recently told us, “Before DBMI, my son had no friends, no outlet. Now, he feels part of something and is proud of what he’s accomplished.” Your support can ensure that stories like this continue.
How You Can Help:
We are asking for your generosity. By donating, you will help safeguard the future of a vital program that has transformed the lives of so many young people. Even the smallest contribution can have a profound impact, helping us to run programs and continue to apply for larger funding to secure our future.
Organizer
Eugene Mone
Organizer
Northern Ireland