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Youth Work

What is Youth Work?

 

Youth Work is when young people chose to participate in an activity because they want to relax, meet friends and have fun.  The purpose of youth work is to:

  • build self-esteem and self-confidence
  • develop the ability to manage personal and social relationships
  • create learning and develop new skills
  • encourage positive group atmospheres
  • build the capacity of young people to consider risk, make reasoned decisions and take control
  • develop a ‘world view’ which widens horizons and invites social commitment.

What have the activities got in common?

What youth work activities have in common is:

  • they are specifically for young people
  • they involve being part of a group
  • you take part because you want to, not because you have to
  • you get the chance to make a valuable contribution to the group, and the wider community.

Basically, youth work is about bringing you together with other young people so that your energy, enthusiasm, and effort can make a difference – to you and other people.

 

What’s involved?

Youth work activities can be about:

·          arts and crafts

·          community projects

·          drama

·          environment and conservation

·          first aid

·          food and health

·          music

·          outdoor adventure and education

·          outward bound courses and expeditions

·          personal development – confidence building, leadership and team work

·          personal challenges – trying new things or learning new skills

·          practical skills – from cooking to conservation work

·          sport

·          volunteering

·          work related skills. 

They can be part time activities through school or college, spare time activities, ‘holiday’ activities or short courses. 

You can find out what’s available in your local area by going to the Youth Group finder page on the Youth Scotland website. 

What could I get out of it?

Lots! Taking part in youth activities could help you to:

·         meet people of your own age

·         have fun

·         develop new skills – from teamwork to organisation

·         learn – about yourself, other people, your community

·         get actively involved in your local community

·         help other people

·         get recognition for your achievements

·         impress employers reading your CV.

Where does it happen?

Youth work takes place in all sorts of different places:

·          youth centres

·          youth clubs

·          community centres and halls

·          schools

·          leisure centres

·          outward bound centres

·          outdoors.

Youth work and the world of work

Getting involved in youth work shows you are prepared to work with others, develop your own potential and work as part of a team.

Just the sort of qualities employers want! 

So, all types of youth work can help you be better prepared for the world of work.

And, some youth work organisations run specially tailored programmes to help young people get into work, learning or training. For example:

  • The Prince’s Trust XL programme for 14-16 year olds is offered in some Scottish schools. It’s specifically for young people who might find it difficult to go straight into work, learning or training after school.
  • Fairbridge, a national charity, works with young people aged 13-25 who are not in work, learning or training.  Their U16 (under 16) programme is part time and runs alongside the normal school timetable.

Your pastoral care teacher or career adviser can give you more information on what’s available in your local area. 

Youth work organisations

Here are some examples of youth work organisations: 

·          Prince’s Trust - http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/ Get into... courses

·          XL Programme – ‘xlerate with XL’ for 14-16 year olds

·          Fairbridge in Scotland - http://www.fairbridge.org.uk/ U16 programme

·          The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award - http://www.dofe.org/ (also see Volunteering)

·          Youth Scotland - http://www.youthscotland.org.uk/home.htm

·          UK Youth - http://www.ukyouth.org/

·          Youth Achievement Awards

·          YMCA - http://www.ymca.co.uk/

How do I find out more?

You can find out more by speaking to your:

·          pastoral care teacher

·          youth worker

·          career adviser

·          key worker.