Young people from 14 years are given opportunities to join the Irish Red Cross in Limerick and to learn vital first aid and personal development skills through a range of courses. Our youth members receive European-recognised first aid certification through our Practical First Aid course and get involved in some of our dedicated youth programs and activities, such as our OPTIONS and Positive Images programs. Our youth members also get involved in campaigns such as anti-bullying and positive mental health.
OPTIONS Program
OPTIONS is a structured awards program for all Irish Red Cross Youth Members aged 5 – 25 years. The program, which is linked to the President’s Gaisce Award, is a personal development program and gives participants great opportunities for personal and skill development across a wide range of activities, from first aid to community and social projects.
Weekly Training & Activities
Our younger volunteers are given many and varied opportunities to further their skills through attending events under the guidance and supervision of our senior members. The youth members also get many opportunities to socialise with each other and with members across the country and internationally through specialised activities organised by dedicated youth leaders, such as a national youth camp, national first aid competitions and other events.
Youth members meet and train weekly, to keep their level of skills up-to-date. While First Aid is the basis for our youth programs in Limerick, all our youth members enjoy an active and social program. First Aid Competitions, outdoor activities, social events such as bowling and ice-skating, day-trips as well as weekends away are all on the agenda for our youth members.
14-16 years
In Limerick City our younger members (up to 16 years) meet at:
- St. Paul’s, Dooradoyle
- Milford NS, Castletroy
- Caherdavin Scout Hall
- Limerick Area HQ at Unit 3 Ashbourne Business Park, Dock Road
In the county, we have groups in:
- Doon
- Newcastlewest
- Kilmallock
17-18 years
In addition, once a youth member reaches the age of 17, they can can progress further their first aid skills through a variety of courses including:
- First Aid Response
- Cardiac First Response
- Event Cover and Ambulance Familiarisation
- Radio Communications
Our Novice units are located in:
- Limerick Area HQ at Unit 3 Ashbourne Business Park, Dock Road
- Doon
- Newcastlewest
- Kilmallock