The important role that youth work plays in society
Youth work plays a vital role in society in shaping children and young people's learning, self-development as well as help them to take positive steps forward within their lives. In this article, we explore the nature of youth work, its social value, and how you can volunteer to support children and young people in York.
What is youth work?
Youth work is all about supporting the emotional, social, and educational development of young people. The National Youth Agency identifies three key purposes at the heart of youth work:
- To explore young people’s values, beliefs, ideas and issues
- To enable them to develop their voice, influence and place in society
- To acquire a set of practical or technical skills and competencies, to realise their full potential
Youth work aims to build young people’s social and emotional wellbeing through a range of recreational activities such as sport, art, and music. Such activities are the means rather than the ends of a child’s social development. For example, playing football as part of a team can foster social skills such as leadership, team work, and determination. These are just a few of the many attributes that youth workers seek to nurture in young people.
At The Island, we tailor our approach to each mentee. One mentee may benefit from a one to one mentorship, whereas another may come to thrive within a group setting. We learn about each young person as an individual to ensure that they gain the most from the services that we provide.
How can youth work impact a young person’s life?
A lack of support at such a crucial stage in an individual's development can have lifelong impacts. Academics at the University of Harvard found that 50% of all mental health problems start by the age of 14. Furthermore, research conducted by the Centre for Mental Health shows that children from the lowest income households are four times more likely to experience mental health issues than those from the highest earning families. The evidence demonstrates the importance of timely access to support. The Island works to meet this need through the creation of positive mentoring relationships, with the purpose of building the confidence and resilience of young people in York.
Youth work and society
Youth work has significant societal benefits. A landmark study by scholars at the University of Illinois proved its value as a method of developing the emotional and academic wellbeing of the most vulnerable in our society. Sadly, those in power have failed to fully recognise its social benefit. An investigation by YMCA found that since 2010, state funding in youth services has fallen by 73%. Ultimately, young people are negatively impacted if they lack the positive, stable support networks that youth centres provide. Tom Madders, Director of Campaigns at Young Minds, emphasised the importance of youth services, describing them as a ‘lifeline’ for many young people. Without these organisations, young people’s needs ‘escalate’ which ‘sometimes results in crisis and more acute intervention’. This pattern is illustrated by the increase in local government spending on crisis services for children and young people, which has risen from £5.6 billion to £7.2 billion in the last decade.
The role of the charity sector in providing youth services has become increasingly pivotal during the past decade. Funding cuts have resulted in charities stepping up to play a crucial part in providing youth services across the country. Many rely on voluntary support and donations to deliver their much needed services. At The Island, our volunteers are positive role models for young people, providing the guidance and support that they need to thrive.
How can you support young people in York?
The Island mentors’ children and young people from across the city. Volunteers can be a mentor as part of group sessions, or on a one to one basis. Currently, there are 62 individual mentoring relationships supported by The Island and 36 mentees attending group sessions. The Island has also recently launched a youth club at Foxwood Community Centre. The club is for any young person from the ages of 13-18. It runs every Tuesday evening from 7-9pm. There are a wide range of activities on offer, including:
- Board Games
- Arts and Crafts
- Football
- Baking
The Island is always looking for volunteers, whether you are mentoring a young person, leading our group sessions, or supporting our youth club. To see all of our available volunteering opportunities at The Island, please click here.
