Clive Davis
Regional Director
Clive joined YWI Laois in May of 2016. Originally from Vicarstown in Co. Laois, Clive developed his love of youth work while supporting the development of Vicarstown Youth Club. Clive is the Chairperson of The Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival, Treasurer of LGBT Ireland, Secretary of People’s First Credit Union, member of the National Youth Committee within the Irish League of Credit Unions. Clive is passionate about youth engagement and development within Laois.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 086 2398577 / 057 8600104
Youth Work Team
Elaine Boyle
Youth Development Worker UBU Project
Elaine joined YWI Laois in May 2015, a native of Kildare but with a long-standing working relationship with Co. Laois. In that time Elaine has been lucky enough to work with young people aged 10-24 across Laois, creating spaces for young people to feel safe, be empowered, and achieve their full potential.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 086 4112816
Niamh Kavanagh
Laois Comhairle Na nOg Co-Ordinator
Laois Comhairle Na nOg Co-Ordinator at YWI Laois. Niamh has a keen interest in running and cycling. With a background in business and also in Youth & Community work., at Catholic youth care, (Crosscare), Kildare Youth Services, Carlow regional youth services and Bagnelastown town resource centre. Niamh has a passion for this work. Niamh is very involved in local business which she runs with her husband PJ.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 086 7876277
Deirdre Phelan
Positive Pathways Co-Ordinator
Deirdre has newly joined the team in 2021 as the Positive Pathways Coordinator. She is a graduate from the Institute of Technology, Sligo with a BCs (Ordinary) Degree in Health Science and Physiology & a BCs (Honours) Degree in Health Promotion and Public Health. It was here she discovered her passion for suppot+ing the young people in our community through work placement. She has a sincere interest in organising and initiating health beneficial services/programmes and feels it is extremely important to ensure everyone has the best support possible to reach their full potential.
Email: [email protected]
Midlands LGBT+ Project
Christina Fitzharris
LGBTI+ Community Development Outreach Worker
Christina is a new starter to our team and joined us in 2021 as our LGBTI+ Community Development Outreach Worker. In her role Christina coordinates all of our adult LGBT+ projects and will be responsible for the creation of Laois LGBT+ awareness events, support groups and increasing LGBT+ visibility in Laois. Christina has a BA in Social Care and a Postgrad in NGO Management and Development and has been involved in LGBT+ and community groups for over ten years.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 086 0757985
Sam Kelly
LGBT+ Community Development Assistant
Sam (he/him) started out as a volunteer in the early days of the project and is now one of our community development assistants. Sam helps deliver schools workshops, and facilitates our monthly film screening group and our online trans group. As a Laois-born transgender man, he is passionate about making the midlands a home for trans people. When not working, Sam is an animation student. His passions include good books, weird movies, sharing art, and petting dogs.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 086 0350637
Art Therapist
Sophia Lennon
Art Therapist
Sophia is an Art Psychotherapist, registered with the Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists (IACAT). With experience across a range of mental health services, through working with children, young people and their families. She aims to provide a safe, gentle, non judgemental therapy space. She offers a variety of approaches based on the individual needs of the young person. Sophia has a MA in Art Therapy and a Postgrad in Mental Health- Child, Adolescent & Family strand.
Email: [email protected]
Administration Team
