Youth Work Week is an annual event celebrating youth work. It showcases the impact it can have on children and how it can help inspire them to achieve their ambitions.
Youth work is important for developing life skills, confidence and providing children with a sense of belonging. It encourages participation in their communities and gives them many opportunities. Helping to create a safe community for children is vital and youth centres and groups provide children with a safe place to learn and complete different activities with other young people. Last year, I set out my Big Ambition for youth work.
Many of my current cohort of Youth Ambassadors are involved in youth work. Here they share their experiences:
Yusuf
“Youth work has always played a vital role in my life and in the lives of so many young people I’ve met. I have spent time in several youth centres across the country and seen how good youth work changes lives. Whether it is a young person in care, someone living with a disability, or simply someone who needs a place to belong, these spaces give hope, confidence and direction.
The best youth workers do more than run activities; they listen, guide and believe in young people even when the world around them does not. In my role as a Children’s Commissioner Ambassador, I have seen how trusted relationships and safe spaces can prevent crises before they happen and open doors to education, training and leadership.
Youth work is not an optional extra. It is one of the strongest tools we have to build safer, fairer and more connected communities. When we invest in youth work, we invest in the future of our country.”
Finlay
“Scouting has been an important part of my life ever since I started at the age of seven. Being involved in a youth organisation like the Scouts has given me countless opportunities to meet new people, make friends, and learn valuable skills while having fun. Through Scouts and later Explorers, I developed teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
One of the things I enjoy most is the range of activities we get to try. From camps and hikes to archery, axe-throwing, shooting, and other adventurous experiences, I’ve taken part in things I would never have had the chance to do elsewhere. I’ve also enjoyed the district events such as frisbee, bowling, and the nationally run Monopoly Run in London. Through Scouts I have been given the opportunity to travel to Norway next year.
The leaders play a huge role too; they volunteer their time to make all these activities possible. I now volunteer with my local Cubs group to help out and give younger members the same positive experiences I’ve had.”
Ellencia
“Being part of a youth group was impactful and I’d recommend it to every young person. I started attending a youth group during high school and it has taught me valuable skills and lessons that still apply to me, improving the way I interact with others and view myself.
Being in a community of other young people with diverse backgrounds and personalities improved my communication and empathy; helping me to prune skills such as teamwork and leadership, that I found difficult before joining. These skills have helped me form lasting friendships and be significantly more open-minded, qualities I think are essential. It has prepared me for life in more ways than I might have initially thought it would.
I am also a part of a wellbeing role in my college where I am able to apply the skills I’ve learnt in order to uplift others. I’m aware of how difficult it can feel to speak to an adult, fearing they won’t understand, and therefore make myself available to listen and advise whenever I can.
I also wanted to acknowledge youth leaders who gently pushed me out of my comfort zone, and motivated me. With their help I am able to use my voice to speak on behalf of others even when it’s difficult, so I am more than grateful to those who supported me”
Ashaz:
“My journey in youth work began in 2018, when at the age of ten I started attending my local youth club in my hometown. It quickly became a place where I could be myself, make new friends, and take part in exciting opportunities that built my confidence. Youth clubs gave me a sense of belonging and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.
My experience with youth clubs has been the foundation for shaping who I am today, making me confident, community minded and passionate about giving other people the same opportunities to grow and thrive.”
