Building on the work of colleagues in the Western Region (Galway, Mayo & Roscommon) who introduced Planet Youth to

Ireland in 2018, the Cavan & Monaghan local implementation group aim to work in partnership with schools, communities and partner organisations on the roll-out of our Planet Youth programme for the period 2021 to 2026.

Planet Youth takes a whole population approach and focuses on all young people, rather than targeting specific vulnerable groups. It requires a transformative change in policies, practice and resources and promotes evidence-based approaches using robust local data. Primary prevention is about preventing problems before they arise. This means diverting young people away from alcohol environment and wellbeing. Planet Youth is based on the principle that, in order to change young people’s alcohol and drug behaviour, we need to understand and focus on the factors that contribute to it. This is achieved by identifying and reducing risk factors, and strengthening protective factors, in young people’s lives.