To read the full report click here. Hard copies are available on request at our offices.

We are thrilled to officially share our Annual Report about the impact of our work in 2023. It was a big year for Solas Project with significant transition and growth.

While numbers don’t always capture the true depth and scope of our work, they are helpful in giving an overview of our reach and areas of impact. Below are a few report statistics from each of our programmes:

EARLY INTERVENTION AND SCHOOLS WORK

720+ hours of direct contact with young people in our After Schools Clubs and over 3,600 meals served.
215 pupils took part in the Solas@School Business Programme, and 297 in the Sports Programme.
9 schools attended our annual Tag Rugby Blitz at UCD, with nearly 400 children and over 100 corporate volunteers.

COMMUNITY-BASED YOUTH WORK

Liberate Young People Awarded National Community Safety Award

252 young people engaged with Liberate.
120 young people in intensive, long term engagements across the year.
16 young people were awarded a National Community Safety Award in recognition of their work on Halloween as part of the Liberties Haunt event.

YOUTH Justice

Rua

1,030 one-to-ones with young people.
270 group work sessions.

“Rua has uplifted the area through its empowering engagement with high-risk young people, fostering a sense of community and opportunity among local youth. The efforts made by the Rua team to build relationships with existing services has further strengthened support networks and enriched the range of resources available, creating a more collaborative approach to youth diversion in the area, with the shared goal of keeping people safe.” - Inspector, Crumlin Garda Station

Compass (Prison Programme)

206 prison sessions.
58 young people engaged in prison/detention.
22 young people engaged in community.

TRY (TARGETED RESPONSE With YOUTH)

610 one-to-ones with young people.
1,378 other engagements (outreach, groups, family work).
1,988 direct contacts with young people.

Social Enterprise

23 young people engaged in The Yard.
Commissioned to create the Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards.
3 young people received their Bronze Gaisce medal as a result of their work in The Yard, volunteering with our After School Club and participating in an adventure journey.

Organisation Achievements

Other notable achievements from 2023 included being shortlisted for a Good Governance Award in recognition of our commitment to accountability, transparency and delivering best practice in all our activities. We were also delighted to receive the ‘Investing in Volunteers’ badge of achievement for 2023-2026 in recognition of our commitment to volunteering and undergoing a thorough assessment. You can read more about the award and volunteer opportunities on our previous blog post here.

Strategic Priorities

And finally, as part of our larger vision for ongoing impact and strategy, we established four key pillars for our new Strategic Plan to help ensure that every support we provide our young people is effective and achieves its outcomes.

While it is important to reflect on the achievements and lessons of 2023, we are already looking forward to our 2024 report and seeing the growth and impact being made through the continued implementation of these four priorities.

Click Here to read the full report