New youth club in Carlow gives neurodiverse teens a space to be themselves

A YOUTH club for neurodiverse teenagers has been quietly transforming lives in Carlow town since last September and its organisers are appealing for volunteers and community support to help it grow.

Minds Unfiltered, run under the umbrella of Foróige, meets every Thursday from 7-8pm at 2 College Street, Carlow town and is open to young people aged 12 to 18 years. The club has 11 regular members, with two newcomers having joined last week.

The club was established after Foróige approached a group of volunteers last summer looking for people to set it up. Organiser Karrell Brennan, who has a background in childcare and as a special needs assistant, stepped forward, alongside fellow volunteers Catriona, whose own son attends, and Lucy, who works at the Delta Centre.

“Foróige approached us last summer looking for volunteers to set it up in September and we have been running since then,” Karrell explained. “About two weeks ago, the kids decided to come up with a name: Minds Unfiltered.” 

The club’s membership reflects the broad spectrum of neurodiversity. “It started out specifically for kids that have autism, but now it’s more neurodivergent,” said Karrell, noting that one recent member has audio and visual impairment, while another has Down Syndrome. “They fitted in like a glove. Everyone just gets on brilliantly.” 

Karrell said the club fills a gap that has long existed in the county. While a similar club for neurodiverse young people operates in Kilkenny, there was nothing comparable in Carlow.

“There was no outlet for kids that might not be into football or dancing or other typical sports and activities. There was nowhere for them to go to hang out as such. So I thought, yeah, I’d love to get involved with something like that, where there’s a safe space for kids just to be themselves,” she said.

The impact on members has been significant. “It’s just kind of been a life changer for some of them,” Karrell said. “When you come out of the club on a Thursday, you just feel so uplifted. It’s just lovely to be there.” 

One parent told Karrell about the difference the club had made to his daughter. “She felt like she didn’t really have a space where she could go and that she didn’t fit in anywhere, but here everyone fits in and you can be yourself,” Karrell explained. When the dad returned to collect his daughter one evening, she told him to leave because she was having too much fun.

The club also offers parents a free hour, giving them the chance to step away, knowing that their child is in a safe and welcoming environment.

Activities on offer include table tennis, board games and darts, and the club has been supported by generous local businesses. Every Thursday, Greg Kurtz from Apache Pizza arrives with snacks for members, even donning a pizza costume on one occasion. Jones Business Systems has also lent its support.

Karrell said she hopes more local businesses will come on board, which would allow the club to expand its activities and potentially bring members on day trips. Volunteers, who receive training including first aid, are also welcome.

A fundraising drive is planned for September. The club runs until June and will resume again in the autumn.

Anyone interested in volunteering or in enrolling a young person can make contact through the club at 2 College Street, Carlow town or contact Karrell on 083 0280719.