East Riding of Yorkshire Council, along with partners, is celebrating the life-changing impact of youth work this National Youth Work Week.

From 2 to 8 November, Youth Work Week celebrates the people and places where young people grow, belong and thrive – with this year’s theme being Where Futures Begin.

East Riding Council delivers grant funding to local community and voluntary organisations to deliver youth work in local communities. Over the last year 49 youth projects received grant funding and 12 of these projects are SEND specific groups.

Goole Youth Action (GYA) is one of the community groups who have used grant funding to create provision for young people.  GYA deliver a diverse offer from boxing, twilight football sessions and a range of summer holiday activities and trips to emotional wellbeing support, drop-ins, youth outreach sessions and volunteering opportunities for young people. GYA also have a Youth Voice group so that young people can shape the future provision of GYA.

Phil Jackson, Goole Youth Action said: “I’m really proud of GYA and everyone involved. We are developing the offer all the time, based on what young people tell us they would like. We’re planning future projects for 2027 including a life skills course to help young people transition into being adults, and an environmental group led by the young people.

“Being a youth worker is hugely rewarding, when you see what a difference you can make to young people’s lives.”