Abstract:
The study explores the experiences of young people participating in the 4th Corner Youth Café, Moyross, Limerick. Youth cafés are a model of universal youth work provision which seek to facilitate an open access safe space for young people to hang out. There is limited Irish research available regarding the perspectives of young people on youth work services. This study examines relevant literature and data from semi-structured qualitative interviews with seven young people participating in the 4th Corner Youth Café. Thematic analysis was utilised to identify important themes emerging from the young people’s experiences. The findings suggest that young people have many positive experiences within the café in relation to participation, relationships and the open access nature of the café. The findings also demonstrate that participation has had positive impacts on the young people’s lives.
