Doom and gloom won’t hold back innovative online charity

As many politicians, companies and state agencies struggle with the current  mix of social and economic pressures, one web driven organisation is sending out a strong message that it is up for the challenge of these changing times.

In setting out its plans for 2009 SpunOut.ie Founder Ruairí McKiernan says although the charity faces funding cuts and deficits, it is excited and confident about the year ahead.

"We’ve been informed that we are likely to be affected by the current health funding cuts, which is hugely disappointing, particularly for the young people who are greatly benefitting from our work. However, we are going into 2009 after an amazing year where we won awards, recruited staff, reached over a quarter of a million people online and millions more through the national media and helped countless young people realise they could get the information, help and opportunities they need in life. We’ve grown as an organisational at a phenomenal rate and all the indications are strong that the year ahead will be huge for SpunOut.ie."

Exciting plans

As well as major national marketing and outreach campaigns, SpunOut.ie will look to expand its successful youth mental health outreach initiative, which is currently being rolled out throughout the North West. SpunOut.ie will also be developing resources and events in the area of youth activism and citizenship and redeveloping www.SpunOut.ie to make it more participatory and interactive. According to Ruairí 2009 is going to be the year where the organisation comes into its own as a leading force for social change in Ireland.

"We’ve spent several years developing and refining our formula and are confident that this year we’ll reach millions, whilst empowering young people to take control of their own lives and become active agents for change in Ireland. Ireland is at a huge turning point and needs the energy, ideas and talents of young people, combined with the power of the net, to help steer us into a better future. SpunOut.ie is helping make this happen and we are appealing to Irish people, politicians, agencies and companies to row in behind us and ensure the web is at the forefront of bringing about positive social change."

SpunOut.ie is preparing to roll out a sponsorship programme that allows like minded companies to join their work in empowering young people. More information is available by emailing info@SpunOut.ie.