What is #ChooseYouthWork?

#ChooseYouthWork is a regional campaign to raise the profile of Youth Work both as a career and a service to young people.

Over the past decade youth work has seen a significant decline in funding and consequently services to young people.  This campaign, designed by youth work practitioners, and overseen by a volunteer steering group, aims to reverse this trend by encouraging Youth Workers and our supporters to :

  • talk to the young people you work with, and make sure they know you are a youth worker and they are experiencing youth work,
  • take a self outside their place of work – adding the caption I am a Youth Worker and I work here – to demonstrate the variety of settings youth work happens  tag in #chooseyouthwork
  • create social media posts sharing why you do youth work and what you gain from it –
  • tag in #chooseyouthwork
  • display and be proud of your youth work qualifications – so that young people, parents / carers, sector partners know we are a trained and informed profession.
  • tag in #chooseyouthwork when posting about your work
  • like other people’s posts using the #chooseyouthwork
  • to support school / college / town / city career fairs – promoting youth work (resources are available)
  • and finally ask people of all ages who have experienced youth work to share the impact, how did it influence or benefit them – social media posts, posters, case studies …… tag in #chooseyouthwork

Why Choose Youth Work? Hear From Young People

Discover the Impact of Youth Work

Youth work is more than just a job; it’s a chance to make a difference in the lives of young people. This week, youth work has been highlighted in the media, showcasing the powerful stories and experiences that illustrate why this sector is so vital.

Why Youth Work?

Choosing a career in youth work means choosing to be a catalyst for change. Here are some compelling reasons to consider this rewarding path:

Make a Difference

Work directly with young people, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their goals.

Empower Youth Voices

Facilitate opportunities for young people to express themselves and advocate for their needs.

Diverse Opportunities

From mentoring to community organizing, youth work offers a variety of roles that cater to different skills and interests.

Personal Growth

Engage in continuous learning and development, gaining invaluable experience that shapes your career and personal life.

Youth Work in the news

Real Voices, Real Impact

The voices of young people are at the heart of youth work. They inspire us to engage, support, and empower. Here are some key highlights from recent media features:

  • Saturday Live – October 12th 2024 at 9:39 AM
    Tune in to hear Selina Brown, creator of the Black British Book Festival and author, share her powerful experiences in youth work and her journey as part of the UK Youth Parliament. Selina’s story reflects the transformative power of youth engagement and the importance of representation.
  • The One Show – October 15th 2024
    Catch an insightful segment showcasing the incredible work being done by Young Bristol. This feature highlights the initiatives that empower young people, provide essential services, and foster community spirit. Young Bristol exemplifies the positive change that youth work can bring to local communities.
  • BBC Look North – October 31st 2024
  • Youth club on wheels hoping to improve young lives   A mobile youth club that aims to stop children “going down the wrong path” has launched with an amnesty bin to allow knives to be surrendered.  The Always An Alternative van in Sheffield will work with young people at risk of knife crime, substance misuse and mental health issues.   The vehicle has a gaming area and studio for music and video production, and there is space to store sports equipment and art materials.
  • https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/204009cf-7eb0-48af-92a2-21e5c681f045  Parliamentlive.tv – Culture, Media and Sport Committee 10th December 2024

Get Involved!

Are you passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives? Join the movement! Whether you’re considering a career in youth work or looking to volunteer, there are countless opportunities waiting for you.

Share Your News

We’d love to hear your stories and experiences in the youth work sector! Whether you’re a young person, a youth worker, or simply someone who believes in the power of youth, your voice matters. Share your news, experiences, or thoughts with us, and let’s inspire others to join this vital field!

Conclusion

Youth work is a dynamic and fulfilling career path that not only shapes the lives of young people but also enriches the communities we serve. Be part of this vital sector and help create a brighter future for the next generation.

Resources #beyondthepooltable

Hear what young people have to say in our YouTube Shorts

Find out more about #ChooseYouthWork from the infographics and posters below:

Events & training notices 

Here at the YWU we provide several events from our youth workers networks to our annual conference. We provide training in all aspects of youth work and beyond many are delivered specifically for individual organisations, though occasionally we do offer open courses for anyone to enrol.

More information about training the YWU can provide can be found here for more information contact the team on theunit@youthworkunit.com  

No Events Found

Learn more about our training

Training is a vital resource for supporting and developing the youth work sector workforce including volunteers. It promotes retention, progression and of course the best possible experience for young people.