IRELAND’s first Olympic Taekwondo athlete and long-standing community advocate, Jack Woolley, has once again partnered with Vhi to launch the 2026 Vhi Health and Wellbeing Fund, encouraging youth groups in Cork to apply for funding to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Now entering its sixth year, the fund reflects the shared commitment of Vhi and the Irish Youth Foundation to strengthen the mental, physical and social wellbeing of young people across Ireland.

The initiative provides vital resources to youth organisations delivering early intervention programmes that help young people tackle anxiety, build resilience and develop long-term confidence to thrive.

Since its launch in 2020, the fund has invested over €444,000 in 54 youth organisations, directly supporting more than 37,700 young people through targeted one-to-one and group-based programmes that are specially designed to improve mental wellbeing and emotional resilience.

This year, Vhi will make €85,000 available to non-profit and youth organisations across Ireland, including those in Cork, with a continued focus on community-led initiatives that create safe, inclusive and supportive environments for young people. 

To mark the launch of this year’s fund, two-time Irish Olympian and Vhi Health and Wellbeing Fund Ambassador, Jack Woolley, met with some of the 2025 grant recipients to hear first-hand how the fund has helped young people navigate mental health challenges, build confidence and develop healthier coping strategies.   

Speaking at the launch event in Dublin, Jack Woolley said: ‘I’m really proud to be back with Vhi and the Irish Youth Foundation for the launch of the 2026 Vhi Health and Wellbeing Fund. Over the past year I’ve taken some time away from competitions to reset and focus on my own wellbeing, and that has reminded me how important it is to have that right support around you, especially when you’re young and still figuring things out. Youth groups were an integral part of my life growing up. They kept me grounded, helped me build resilience, and played a big role in shaping who I am today. That’s why I feel so connected to this work and why I’m passionate about supporting it. Young people are facing pressures that can be tough to navigate, and support from organisations like Vhi and the Irish Youth Foundation is more vital than ever. I would encourage every youth group to take a look and apply.’

Applications are now open and will close at midnight on May 15th. Youth organisations across Cork, Dublin, Donegal, Galway, Kilkenny, and Limerick are invited and encouraged to apply.

For more information visit www.iyf.ie/grants