Edge-Away (Smart Choices, Young Voices) is an Irish youth programme developed in collaboration with the Department of Justice, Children & Young People’s Services Committee, Céim ar Chéim – Probation Service Education & Training Day Centre, and young people from Limerick.
The programme was created to support young people in exploring the realities of community violence, weapon carrying, and the social pressures that can influence decision-making.
Community violence and weapon carrying among young people continue to present significant challenges for individuals, families, and communities.
Edge-Away was developed in response to growing concerns around weapon carrying and the impact of societal norms on young people’s understanding of violence, masculinity, respect, and conflict resolution.
The programme is informed by national and international research on best practice in violence prevention and youth development, alongside ongoing engagement with youth workers, educators, and young people themselves.
Edge-Away takes a trauma informed, restorative, & strengths based approach, recognising that young people are shaped by their environments, experiences, and relationships.
The programme provides a safe and structured space where participants can:
Through interactive and engaging sessions, participants are encouraged to challenge common myths surrounding violence, masculinity, and respect.
Young people will also develop practical skills to:
A key strength of Edge-Away is the involvement of young people in the development of the programme. Their voices and lived experiences have helped shape content that is relevant, practical, and meaningful for today’s youth.
Programme Facilitator, Youth Justice Worker – Céim ar Chéim, Moyross Youth Academy
Programme Facilitator, Teacher & Youth Justice Worker – Céim ar Chéim, Moyross Youth Academy
Manager, Céim ar Chéim Probation Service Education & Training Centre, Moyross Youth Academy
Assistant Director, Research Evidence into Policy & Practice (REPPP), School of Law, University of Limerick
Department of Applied Social Science, Technical University of the Shannon
