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:
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.
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
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