Festival Fever
For many young people going to a music festival is the highlight of the summer. Here are some tips and tricks to stay safe and have fun!
July Dates
| 15 | World Youth Skills Day |
| 19 | FIFA World Cup Final |
| 29 | Full Moon |
How to…
- Don’t wander around campsites by yourself – buddy up when someone wants to explore.
- There is a temptation to drink a lot. Pace yourself, drink plenty of water, alcohol doesn’t keep you hydrated.
- Many festivals now have drug testing tents or services. If you or anyone you know has anything, it is well worth checking with them for content and strength.
- Hooking up with someone might not be in your plan but sometimes plans go askew. Bring and use protection.
- If assaulted there will be medical and security teams on site don’t be afraid to use them.
- Mental health: if it all gets overwhelming, there will be quiet, or at least quieter spaces to be found. Some festivals will have dedicated quiet spaces with staff on hand to support.
- Ear plugs are great not just for protecting hearing, but for blocking out the chaos for a wee while.
Before you go:
Make a kit list. Beyond a tent, clothes and toiletries there are some essentials to make life bearable. Baby wipes, toilet paper, sun block, fully charged powerbank, a torch (that’s not your phone), ear plugs, headache tablets, hand sanitiser, a towel, sanitary products. Black bags for rubbish A reusable water bottle – there should be plenty of water stations to make sure you don’t dehydrate.
When you get there:
Make a note of where the welfare tents are eg first aid, drug testing, security, lost and found. Pick a meeting spot for when you split up and want to get back together. Don’t put your wristband on the same hand you use to wipe when using the toilet!
Disability Pride Month
Out and About – accessible and Inclusive places for all
Did you know that many festivals offer accessibility supports; from a ‘changing places toilet’ to fridges to store medications. Here is a sample of some festivals and the supports they provide; as well as other places to go and have fun on a day out!!
Boredom Busters!
Do you have a beach near where you live? Enjoy the sand in your toes and the warm sunshine. Sit and listen to the waves. Make beach art with shells, sand and different coloured pebbles.
Find a Beach : You can search for beaches that are accessible and have the availability of beach wheelchairs, using the ‘Filter’ button. Two useful options under amenities – ‘Disability Access’ and ‘Beach Wheelchair’. Click on the particular beach and it will tell you more information eg. how and when to access equipment.
Water Safety
When the sun shines in Ireland many of us head to the water. For lots of us that means the coast, but for others, it might be a local river, canal or lake, or even a paddling pool at home.
All great fun, but all bring their own dangers. If you are one of those that love the water in summer, then Water Safety Ireland have some tips to consider.
Useful Contacts
- Inclusion Ireland work towards the full inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities
- Ahead working with and for disabled people to shape inclusive and empowering environments in tertiary education and employment.
- Drugs and Alcohol Information and Support
Have any questions?
The online chat service is staffed by Youth Information Officers from centres across Ireland. It is available from 4pm and 8pm, Monday to Friday!
Follow Us on Instagram!
Stay connected with CrossCare Youth Info for fun activities, tips, and updates!
Follow Now