Youth work programmes boost confidence and resilience

Figures in London Youth’s Good Youth Work Works? report suggest youth work can have positive effects on young people’s confidence, resilience, determination and ability to build relationships.

A survey of nearly 200 young people that participated in London Youth’s Getting Ready sports programme, shows 70 per cent reported an average of 18 per cent positive change across all of their social and emotional capabilities.

In addition, an average 19 per cent improvement in determination and resilience was reported by almost 65 per cent of the young people, with self-confidence also increasing significantly among 58 per cent.

Although London Youth cannot say the increase was solely down to the two-year programme, it strongly believes the structured support, delivered in its youth groups over a sustained period, have contributed to the increase in participants' development.

The report aimed to collect and understand the impact London Youth had on its participants and youth professionals and followed up the findings of a 2011 report. In total, 3,000 children, 1,240 young people and 550 youth professionals gave their views over the year.

Participants that took part in the survey were from London Youth’s outdoor residential centres Hindleap Warren and Woodrow High House as well as sport development and social action programmes.

Rosie Ferguson, London Youth’s chief executive, said: “We want to share this insight so that both practice and policy improve and there is greater investment in what works.

“This report outlines what we have uncovered to date.

“We are excited about the insights emerging and the scope they give us – and other practitioners – to improve services and opportunities for young people.”

More than three-quarters of children surveyed at Hindleap Warren said they got along better with other people after their residential experience.

Staff working at Hindleap Warren were also rated 9.5 out of 10 by youth workers in terms of the quality of learning provided and their engagement with young people.