Grace Falvey Employment Facilitator Inspired, Ciarán Sears project participant, and film maker Sean Rea.Inspired had announced its partnership with the Kerry ETB’s, Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) Programme at Kerry ETB on the Empower Project.
The project is an exciting initiative that will provide young adults across Kerry with a platform to share their stories, build confidence, and inspire positive change within their communities.
It brings together Kerry ETB’s Local Creative Youth Partnership and Inspired’s WorkAbility Programme, funded by Pobal, to create meaningful opportunities for young people with disabilities to develop real-world skills through creativity, storytelling, and advocacy.
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By encouraging participants to share their lived experiences, the project aims to empower young people to find their voice, influence their communities, and celebrate their unique perspectives.
The first project kicked off this summer with Ciarán Sears, facilitated by filmmaker Sean Rea. Ciarán is exploring the impact of Gaisce – The President’s Award, and aims to showcase the positive difference Ireland’s national youth award programme has made in the lives of young people across Kerry.
Through film and storytelling, Ciarán’s work will highlight the power of participation, resilience, and inclusion while encouraging others to become active contributors within their own communities.
Liz Maher, CEO of Inspired, welcomed the collaboration: “We are delighted to partner with Kerry ETB’s Local Creative Youth Partnership on the Empower Project. This initiative demonstrates the power of creativity to build confidence, develop skills, and ensure that the voices of young people with disabilities are heard, valued, and celebrated.
According to Deirdre Enright, Creative Youth Co-Ordinator, Kerry ETB “The Empower Project offers participants a creative platform to tell their stories, build confidence, and share their unique perspectives. Through their creativity and lived experiences, they are inspiring others, challenging perceptions, and contributing to more inclusive communities where every voice matters.”
The Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) is part of Creative Youth, an initiative of the all-of-Government Creative Ireland Programme, which seeks to enable the creative potential of every young person.Inspired’s WorkAbility Programme is administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Social Protection and is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). Through this programme, Inspired supports people with disabilities to develop skills, build confidence, and access meaningful employment opportunities.
Together, the Empower Project demonstrates how creativity, collaboration, and inclusion can unlock potential, amplify voices, and create lasting opportunities for young people across Kerry.
