Tullamore native named Local Champion by the National Youth Council of Ireland

Tullamore native Charlie Beaudelot has been selected as a Local Champion for Offaly-Laois, as the organisation launched its Local Champions initiative for 2025.

The campaign aims to ensure increased investment in young people and youth work locally and nationally.

The Local Champions received training and support from NYCI to effectively convey the positive impact youth work has on their lives and the lives of young people in the local area, as well as the importance of investing in youth work.

NYCI is calling for an increased investment of €21 million in youth work in Budget 2026, to support services with increasing pressures, and ensure equal access to youth work for all young people nationwide.

The representatives Local Champions in Offaly are engaging with TDs John Clendennen, Tony McCormack and Carol Nolan.

Charlie said: "I am beyond excited to use my experience and joy to demonstrate the value of youth work and the positive impact it has had on my life- thanks to organisations such as SpunOut, Comhairle na nÓg, and of course NYCI, there is incredible and important work being completed on a local and national level.

"I look forward to highlighting this work to local representatives to ensure that youth work gets the attention it deserves when budget time comes."

The Local Champions initiative will include activities such as engaging with policymakers, sharing personal stories, and using social media to raise awareness and mobilise support. Through these efforts, NYCI and the Local Champions aim to create a broader understanding of the significance of youth work and its positive impact on society.

The initiative is part of NYCI's campaign ahead of Budget 2026 later this year, to ensure that young people and youth work receive the necessary investment and support they deserve. The Local Champions initiative is supported by the Community Foundation Ireland.