Empowering Tomorrow: The Role of a Youth Support Worker

Introduction

The journey from adolescence to adulthood is often fraught with challenges and uncertainties. For many young individuals, navigating through this transitional phase can feel like a nightmare, faces with obstacles ranging from academic pressures to personal struggles. In such times of need, the presence of a guiding hand, a compassionate listener, and a mentor can make all the difference.

Youth work is a crucial service provided by youth workers to support and guide young people through various challenges and stressors. These workers offer support, information, and guidance, as well as access to other services. They provide opportunities for creative and challenging experiences, such as art, sports, and residential activities. Youth work also allows young people to develop new skills and speak out about issues affecting their lives.

Purpose of Youth Work

1. Develop Relationships With Other Young People And The Youth Workers.

Participating in clubs or groups allows young people to build relationships with others and youth workers, fostering personal and social development in a relaxed environment where views can be shared openly, fostering change and strengthening beliefs.

2. Enabling Young People to Explore Their Values

A common instance of this would be if a young person said something sexist. The youth worker can discuss and criticise the young person’s opinions on sexism in a calm manner, allowing them to learn about other values and attitudes on any subject.

3. Engage With Young People In The Process Of Moral Philosophising

Informal education is utilised by youth workers to aid young people in personal and social development through experimental learning experiences. Activities like soccer help develop communication skills, teamwork, rules, and health benefits. Youth workers learn from young people’s interactions and believe that informal education is important for both learner and educator.

4. Learn and Develop Critical Thinking and Rational Judgment

The young will be able to make thoughtful and well-informed decisions as a result.

5. Consciousness Raising

This includes educating the youth about their rights as members of society and their fundamental human rights, empowering them to understand their place in it.

6. Problem-Solving

Youth workers provide support to young people during crises or problem-solving, promoting relaxation and confidence. They help them deal with issues independently, fostering resilience for future challenges.

7. Critical Involvement

When young people are able to participate in a range of programmes, including youth parliament and local council youth organisations, and are conscious of their place in society, this is known as critical involvement.

How Youth Work Is Carried Out

Youth work is conducted utilising a variety of methods in various contexts and settings. But regardless of the context, effective youth work is supported by a few universal elements. In order to improve outcomes for young people, HM Treasury’s policy review on children and young people identifies seven requirements that must be met.

These are:

• supplying chances for youth to develop their skills;
• enhancing young people’s capacity to make independent decisions and find answers to issues in order to increase their personal effectiveness;
• establishing connections between the various facets of the lives of young people;
• establishing and upholding suitable behaviour norms;
• preventing physical and psychological harm to youth;
• putting in place suitable supervision, whereby adults administer guidelines and expectations that are adequate, consistent, and unambiguous;
• maintaining youth participation in the long run.

What the EU Is Doing

Under the EU’s Work Plan for Youth (2016–2018), the following topics will be investigated by expert groups:

• Identifying the precise role that non-formal and informal education, together with youth employment, play in:
• encourage youth to participate in varied and tolerant cultures and to actively participate in citizenship, while also working to prevent marginalisation and radicalization that could lead to violent behaviour;
• address the potential and difficulties brought up by the growing influx of young people from abroad into the European Union.
• examining the potential benefits, drawbacks, and effects of digitalization on youth, youth work, and youth policy.

Identifying Youth Work Values and Practice

Youth work is a professional practice based on core values and principles, involving voluntary relationships, community links, and supervision from experienced practitioners. It values young people’s rights, encourages open dialogue, and addresses their needs and interests. 

The values provide an ethical foundation for youth work practice, enabling voluntary participation and accountability. Youth workers must be involved in continuous professional reflection to ensure appropriate use of personal experiences and address any barriers. 

Understanding the purpose of youth work and the relationship between values and principles can help develop and carry out professional practice. A match between personal and professional values is essential for learning how to apply these values to youth work practice.

Applying Values and Principles to Practice

Youth work practice can be influenced by positive, participative, and anti-oppressive values. Positive approaches encourage young people’s educational development and promote equitable social change. Participative practices focus on young people’s rights to participate and make decisions about issues that affect them, valuing their contributions and experiences. 

This encourages them to explore genuine options and develop control over their lives. Anti-oppressive approaches address the exclusion of young people from decision-making and the neglect of opportunities experienced by some. Youth work can offer alternative opportunities and assist young people in understanding their circumstances. 

Ethical principles such as voluntary participation, anti-oppressive practice, confidentiality, accountability, and continuous professional development help define professional boundaries. Power, control, and autonomy are key issues for reflection on practice. Youth workers should involve young people in identifying their own methods and addressing their issues, while maintaining accountability and ensuring young people are aware of any constraints on confidentiality.

Recognising Youth Work Roles

Youth workers play a crucial role in supporting young people’s development, education, and participation in social and political change. They may focus on developmental, educative, or protective roles, such as providing support for responsible adulthood. 

Some youth workers may also focus on promoting social and political change, while others may develop young people’s understanding of their power and control. Animators or informal educators may work with young people to develop self-expression through art, drama, poetry, or music. Some youth workers may also focus on activities used as vehicles for informal education.

Communities are the context and environment for young people’s lives, and understanding their context helps foster mutual understanding and support for practice. Youth workers may also observe and intervene in community processes to promote young people’s participation. They undertake tasks and duties related to the setting, such as geographical area, organisation, or facility. 

Access and responsibilities for resources can vary, with centre-based workers responsible for workers and activities, youth wardens for the environment, area workers covering a wider area, and street-based or detached workers only responsible for easily carried resources.

Ethical Conduct in Youth Work

The Nature and Purpose of Youth Work

Youth work supports young people’s growth through interdependence, personal and social development, and community involvement. It promotes equal opportunity, encourages learning and decision-making, and helps develop values. It is recognized for its qualities.

• It provides its services in locations where youth are free to choose to engage;
• It inspires youth to respond critically to both their environment and their personal experiences;
• It assists young people in making decisions about their individual responsibilities within their communities by providing them with information
• It supports youth in reaching and realising their potential in conjunction with formal schooling and college-based education;
• It collaborates with other organisations to push society to take young people’s issues seriously.

The Importance of Ethics in Youth Work

Most people agree that ethics is about the standards of behaviour that people adhere to when determining what is right or wrong, good or terrible. The wellbeing and welfare of humans and animals are typically at the centre of ethical debates.

Ethics in the context of professional practice is about:

• enhancing practitioners’ capacity to recognise the moral implications of issues, think critically, make tough decisions, and be able to defend those decisions;
• performing honourably in conformity with one’s obligations and responsibilities (this may mean acting in compliance with agency regulations, professional standards, or guidelines).

Everyone participating in youth work and services, including trustees, employees, volunteers, and political and administrative leaders, must act in a way that serves as the foundation for:

• the effective delivery of services;
• modelling appropriate behaviour to young people;
• trust between workers and young people;
• trust between organisations and services and parents and young people;
• a willingness of various parties to commit resources; and
• a belief in the capacity of youth work to help young people themselves learn to make moral decisions and take effective action.

This requires all involved to be capable of appropriate thinking about ethics in practical situations.

Ethical Principles

Youth workers have a commitment to:

Treat young people with respect Practice principles would include:

• the importance of valuing and avoiding discrimination against young people based on irrelevant factors such as race, religion, gender, ability, or sexual orientation.
• Confidentiality is essential, and young people should not use their entrusted information for another purpose without their consent, unless there’s clear danger to themselves, others, or the community.

Respect and promote young people’s rights to make their own decisions and choices Practise principles would include:

• educating young people about the variety of options and decisions available to them and providing forums for discussion and debate on the repercussions of such decisions;
• providing opportunities for learning so that kids can become more capable and self-assured decision makers by taking part in decision-making bodies and collaborating with youth workers to organise activities; and
• recognising the decisions and opinions of young people, unless doing so would gravely jeopardise their own or others’ welfare or legitimate interests.

Promote and ensure the welfare and safety of young people Practise principles would include:

• assuming accountability for risk assessment and overseeing the security of projects and events involving minors;
• confirming their own ability to perform tasks and activities, as well as the ability of volunteers and staff they are in charge of;
• If there are perceived hazards or dangers related to the activity, informing the relevant authority and taking suitable action is necessary;
• bringing to the attention of their employer—and, should that fail, the public or those in authority—the ways in which the actions or policies of employers could be gravely detrimental to the interests and safety of youth; 
• being conscious of the need to find a balance between allowing and motivating youth to engage in demanding educational activities and avoiding needless risk.

Contribute towards the promotion of social justice for young people and in society generally Practice principles would include:

• encouraging just and equitable behaviour and opposing discriminatory acts and mindsets among peers, youth, and other parties;
• urging youth to appreciate and value diversity and difference, especially in the setting of a multicultural community;
• highlighting unfair laws and practices and making a concerted effort to alter them;
• encouraging all young people to participate in youth work, public structures, and society at large, especially those who have historically faced discrimination
• inspiring others, including young individuals, to collaborate on problems of shared interest.

Professional Principles.

Youth workers have a commitment to:

Recognise the boundaries between personal and professional life Practice principles would include:

• acknowledging the conflicts that arise between the desire to keep a suitable professional distance and the development of helpful and caring relationships with young people
• Youth workers should avoid developing personal, sexual relationships with young people, as this may be illegal, exploitative, or lead to preferential treatment, and report any issues to the line manager.
• not taking part in work-related activities for personal benefit or accepting favours or presents from locals or youth that can jeopardise the work’s professional integrity;
• making sure that conduct outside of the workplace does not damage the public’s and young people’s trust in youth work.

The principle of accountability to young people, parents, employers, funders, and society is crucial in implementing work practice principles.

• acknowledging that obligations to various groups may clash and accepting accountability for consulting the right people and reaching choices when there is a disagreement;
• maintaining transparency and integrity in all interactions with adolescents, providing them with knowledge to let them make decisions about their lives in general and their involvement in youth work activities;
• making certain that one’s actions as a youth worker comply with legal requirements;
• ensuring that the work done is as effective as feasible and that resources under the authority of youth workers are distributed fairly, in accordance with standards for which youth workers are accountable;
• notifying the relevant authorities of any concerns that a minor is in danger or at risk of significant injury, especially from physical or sexual abuse;
• actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and professionals from other agencies.

Develop and maintain the skills and competence required to do the job Practice principles would include:

• only starting projects or accepting assignments for which employees are qualified, knowledgeable, and supported;
• requesting input on the calibre of their work from coworkers and service consumers, as well as continuously improving their knowledge and abilities;
• identifying the needs for new information and abilities and pursuing appropriate education and training.

The National Youth Agency (Nya)

The NYA, the national body for youth work in England, has been transforming lives for over 50 years. They believe all young people deserve a productive future and aim to support one million young people annually by 2023. They believe young people have the power to make the world a better place and believe youth work is the best methodology to unlock their potential. 

Skilled youth workers build relationships to support young people in exploring their personal, social, and educational development. Youth work enables young people to develop their voice, influence, and place within society. Established in 1964, the NYA is the leading national charity for youth work.

The NYA has three strategic objectives which explain the scope of their work:

• Give young people opportunity
• creating a workforce of young people who are competent and productive
• influencing research and policy to change practice [youth work]

Their Place in the System

The National Youth Agency (NYA) is dedicated to youth work, a discipline that aims to empower young people to believe in themselves and prepare for life. It involves educators, policymakers, and employers in holistic, life-skilled work.

How the NYA Works

The NYA has steadfast belief in young people and their potential to shape the world, no matter what society puts in their way. The NYA’s plan has 3 elements:

Championing youth work in all its many forms – showcasing excellent practices, fostering innovative ideas, honouring the thousands of practitioners, and increasing the depth and importance of the discipline’s understanding among decision-makers in government, education, and business.

Professionalising youth work – Educating youth workers, establishing professional standards, providing professional development accreditation, and consistently exploring, developing, and enhancing youth work approaches and practices in all its manifestations

Enabling youth work – enabling it through their networks of first-rate youth work providers, their extensive project management expertise, and their creative partnerships and finance arrangements with creative private and public sector partners.

Youth Work and Youth Services

Youth Work Week is an annual celebration of youth work, run by the National Youth Agency. It aims to celebrate achievements and impact of youth organisations, workers, and young people. Youth services are important for young people, their families, and organisations. 

Despite massive cuts in local authority youth services, dedicated youth workers continue to deliver creative provision with positive outcomes. The theme of Youth Work Week reflects current issues and emphasises the role of youth work in supporting vulnerable young people and reporting safeguarding concerns. 

Youth work also supports community cohesion and promotes greater understanding among diverse groups.

Youth Work According To the NYA

Youth work is a holistic approach that aims to enable young people to believe in themselves and build positive futures. It starts at the developmental or physical location of the young person and is entirely voluntary. Youth workers typically work with young people aged 11-25, but the NYA recognizes youth work from ages 8-25. 

Their work promotes personal and social development, builds resilience, character, and confidence, and offers safe spaces for young people to explore their identity, experience decision-making, and develop interpersonal skills. 

Youth work is an educational process that deepens a young person’s understanding of themselves, their community, and the world, supporting them to proactively bring about positive changes.

Therefore youth work needs to be (and be seen to be) transformational, harnessing skills of young people not fulfilled by formal education.

• where youth employment offers a secure environment for creativity
• establishing and growing a connection and social network
• With a responsible adult who is aware of what is required

A unique educational approach called “youth work” is applied in a range of contexts to assist a young person’s social, academic, and personal growth.

• To investigate their issues, ideas, beliefs, and values
• to give them the opportunity to grow in terms of voice, influence, and social status
• obtaining a set of technical or practical skills and abilities, realising their full potential

Reflective practice, peer education, and building and sustaining relationships with adolescents and community groups are the cornerstones of youth work.

• Understanding the adolescent development process and providing the right kind of assistance
• Young people’s voluntary involvement and trustworthy relationships
• Knowing when to set limits, confront inappropriate behaviour, and defuse a heated argument
• The significance of safeguarding in creating a secure atmosphere for adolescents

Youth work is underpinned by a clear set of values. These include

• youth who voluntarily participate.
• Utilising the worldview of the youth.
• demonstrating regard for youth.
• focusing on the attitudes and skill development of youth as opposed to the correction of “problem behaviours.”
• assisting young people in creating more cohesive identities and healthier relationships.
• appreciating and honouring diversity.
• encouraging youth voice.

Youth workers must disclose any criminal history, even if it’s considered spent’. Employers can request a disclosure and barring service to check their records, but having a past doesn’t automatically disqualify them.

The EU on Youth Work

Youth work in the EU is not a new concept, but its recognition and visibility have increased over time. However, more work is needed to recognize its value and contribution to young people’s lives.

Definition of Youth Work According to the EU

Youth work encompasses various activities, topics, and measures across various fields, with three core features distinguishing it from other policy fields:

• a focus on young people
• personal development
• voluntary participation

There are differences in definitions of youth labour among the few nations that have a defined definition. The following qualities are commonly mentioned when characterising youth work, according to an analysis of national definitions and the opinions of experts:

Typology of Youth Work

The proposed typology of youth work activities consists of two axes: universal and specific target groups. These activities range from broad personal development goals to specific issues addressing specific young people. 

The types of activities can be linked to expected outcomes and the value of youth work. The typology and discussion on outcomes help clarify the focus of specific youth work activities and related outcomes.

The growing demand for youth work activities, expectations for successful outcomes, and evidence of success necessitate organisations to strike a balance.

• fulfilling the objectives outlined in the policies and funding mechanisms while taking into account the growing trend of youth work practices that are more intervention-based, target-group-based, and address particular challenges;
• attending to young people’s unique needs and interests;
• while upholding the fundamental ideas that guide the conduct of youth work.

The growing issue of youth work’s potential disconnection from its original purpose and outcomes is causing concern, as it is increasingly expected to deliver on previous policy sectors’ work, despite growing awareness of its potential contributions.

Quality Youth Work

The study explores youth work, its delivery, and trends, identifying key elements for successful practice, including behaviours, attitudes, and methods, and identifies core areas for quality youth work.

Core areas of good quality youth work are:

• the young person and the youth worker’s tight relationship;
• aggressive outreach to youth in need of assistance and encouragement;
• adaptability, accessibility, and flexibility in meeting the requirements of youth;
• chances for learning, establishment of goals, and acknowledgment of accomplishments;
• surroundings that are safe and encouraging, allowing youth to engage with peers in a joyful and safe atmosphere, experience life, and make mistakes;
• autonomy, with youth taking charge of their own personal growth;
• collaborations/partnerships with other actors (such as social work, formal education)

Youth work organisations must strike a balance between providing support and autonomy to young people, fostering a safe environment that promotes personal development.

The Contribution of Youth Work

The sector’s effectiveness is hindered by a lack of data and robust evaluation, but growing evidence and research availability are facilitating learning and development.

Successful youth work practice can result in a range of positive outcomes for young people which enable them to:

• Develop skills and competences in a diverse range of areas (their human capital);
• Strengthen their network and social capital;
• Change particular behaviours (such as risk behaviours);
• Build positive relationships.

Beyond the individual level outcomes, youth work is:

• a vital part of our social fabric that provides a forum for interaction, communication, and involvement between generations as well as among young people; 
• valuable in and of itself. The majority of youth employment projects are made to provide shared activities and educational opportunities that can be enjoyable and enriching. These are valuable to society and ought to be acknowledged as such.

Youth Worker

A youth worker is responsible for planning, organising, and supervising community programs aimed at redressing inequalities and facilitating the personal, social, and emotional development of young people aged 11-25. 

They aim to help them feel comfortable with themselves, establish personal relationships, reach their potential, and find their place in society. 

Youth workers have traditionally been a standalone role within local authorities, but their skills are now in demand across various sectors, including criminal justice, social care, and private and voluntary sectors. 

Their main goal is to help young people’s emotional and social development through educational processes, fostering increased confidence, ambition, and empathy. 

They tackle a range of issues, from behavioural difficulties to teenage pregnancy. Essential attributes for youth workers include energy, patience, and creativity, and a positive approach to collaboration, especially in the public sector where resources are limited and services are outsourced. 

Those considering a career in youth work should identify the type of organisation they may work with and build a portfolio of experience.

Dealing with Stress

Youth work jobs can be stressful, and while employers are responsible for addressing youth issues, it’s crucial to manage stress levels. Good stress management leads to better job performance, increased recruitment and promotion opportunities, and easier life. Coping strategies are essential for individuals with complex case-loads, fear of failure, and difficult relationships.

Supervision

Employers should implement strategies to prevent staff stress, such as effective supervision, sufficient time for reflection, and open communication with managers. This allows qualified youth workers to learn from their practice, find practical solutions, and learn from their mistakes.

Support Networks

Maintaining resilience involves having someone to talk to, whether it’s a colleague or a friend who knows nothing about your job. It’s important to use support networks for socialising, not just work-related discussions, as it allows for fun with friends, family, and pets.

Time Management

Youth work training often lacks practical skills for managing complex case-loads. Time management techniques can help youth workers control their workload and plan effectively. If training is lacking, self-improvement is suggested.

For example:

• Instead of reading your emails right away, create a list and rank the things that are most crucial.
• Limit the items on your “to do” list to five or seven. The greater the number, the higher the probability of completing them.
• To help you plan ahead, think about your workload for the coming week or month as opposed to the day-to-day amount.
• Make a list of the assistance you require from others to finish a work and get in touch with them as soon as possible.
• Every day, set aside 10 minutes to do something enjoyable for yourself. Some ideas include reading, taking a stroll, or relaxing in a park.

Other Aspects of Stress Reduction

Emotional Awareness

Resilient individuals understand and control their own emotions, recognizing early signs of negative emotions and taking action to manage them. This can involve different behaviours, counting to ten, listening to music, or thinking happy thoughts. Recognizing and managing emotions helps individuals feel better, allowing them to manage their situations and improve their overall well-being.

Relaxation

Learning to calm your body and mind is crucial, not just at bedtime. Take time to relax and be mindful of the world around you, being fully present in the moment. Even in a crisis, taking just 60 seconds to calm your breathing and relax can clear your mind for better performance.

Positivity

Youth workers often face distressing emotional situations, but their work is rewarding. They should focus on positivity, finding happiness, celebrating success, and learning from failures. Focusing on the positive helps them remain optimistic and encourages them to take forward positive actions in their future.

More Stress Management Techniques

Assess your current stress coping strategies and determine if they are healthy or unhealthy. Overeating, drinking, and screen time may temporarily alleviate stress but may lead to long-term problems. Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial against stress, but unhealthy habits often hinder positive thinking. Adopting healthy coping strategies can help you feel more relaxed and ready to tackle challenges.

• Exercise
• Spend time with pets.
• Cook a healthy meal
• Explore your creativity
• Get a good night’s sleep
• Don’t sweat the small stuff

Conclusion

In conclusion, the role of a Youth Support Worker is undeniably vital in today’s society. These dedicated professionals play a crucial role in empowering and uplifting young people, providing them with the necessary guidance, support, and resources to navigate life’s challenges and pursue their dreams. Through their compassionate approach, active listening, and unwavering commitment, 

Youth Support Workers not only help young individuals overcome obstacles but also inspire hope, resilience, and confidence in their abilities. As we strive to create a brighter future for the next generation, let us recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of Youth Support Workers in shaping the lives of our youth and fostering a stronger, more inclusive community for all.