CYP Now survey reveals youth workers' concerns over public image

The anonymous online survey of youth workers, completed by 323 people working across the public, voluntary and private sectors, revealed that 96 per cent believe the public does not understand what they do.

This view was reinforced by those who, in response to a different question, said the public’s perception of youth work is either unfavourable (15 per cent) or neutral (47 per cent).

Respondents were invited to elaborate on their answers, with many highlighting a range of misconceptions about the role of youth workers, including them being “facilitators of ping pong and pool” and their role being “somewhere between babysitting and policing”.

A youth club-based voluntary youth worker said: “The public often think our sole role is to provide fun activities for young people, missing out the relationship building and the supporting, guiding and all the other roles we play in an individual young person’s life.”

Fiona Blacke, chief executive of the National Youth Agency, said youth work does not receive the recognition it deserves.

She said: “It’s true that people do not understand the role of youth workers beyond a fairly superficial view of activities in the community centre and minibus trips.

“Youth work is not valued as highly as it should be for the benefits it can bring to young people’s lives.”

The survey also asked youth workers their views on professionalism and training. While nearly 95 per cent of respondents regarded themselves as professionals, 40 per cent were against youth workers being required to have a license to practice.