Include Youth Director appointed as next Children's Commissioner

Koulla has been the Director of Include Youth for 16 years, working tirelessly to improve the experiences of and outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people throughout Northern Ireland.

Tony Martin, Chair of Include Youth Board, said:

“It is with a degree of sadness that we say farewell to Koulla, a proven champion for the rights and best interests of the most vulnerable and marginalised children and young people in our society.

“Include Youth’s Board, staff, volunteers and young people are immensely proud of the way Koulla has led this organisation and will miss her contribution to our work greatly.

“The role of the Commissioner is a vitally important one where real difference can be made to the lives of all children and young people, but especially those who need our protection and support the most.

“I would like to thank Koulla for all of her hard work and commitment over the last 16 years, working closely with the Board and staff team to grow Include Youth into the wonderful organisation it is today. She is leaving Include Youth in a very healthy state and we remain committed to delivering services that improve the lives of marginalised children and young people in our communities.

"We wish her every success in her new position as champion of children’s rights and know she will make a huge positive impact to the lives of all children and young people in Northern Ireland.”

Koulla Yiasouma, Director of Include Youth, said:

“It is a massive honour to have been appointed to the post of Commissioner for Children and Young People and I look forward to continuing the work that Patricia Lewsley-Mooney has undertaken.

"I am looking forward to working with all sectors, particularly government, to ensure the full implementation of the rights of children and young people across Northern Ireland.

"It is however with a heavy heart that I am leaving Include Youth after 16 wonderful years as Director.  As the voluntary sector enters into uncertain times I shall spend the next three months working with the Board and management of Include Youth to ensure the continued success of the organisation.”

ENDS

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:  For more information about the appointment contact NICCY’s press office on 028 9031 1616 or about Include Youth, contact Sharon Whittaker, Communications Officer at Include Youth on 028 9031 1007 or [email protected].