It was with real interest that I read the article in Young People Now entitled "More Fun Please" (YPN, 16-22 May, pp14-15). As a youth worker I have noticed the increased requirement to provide structured activities, which are driven by targets.
In particular, working for a small, voluntary organisation that provides services to LGBT young people (Gay And Lesbian Youth In Calderdale), often the only way to obtain funding is through specific programmes.
One of the core principles of youth work is a commitment to supporting young people to learn from their experiences and to make sense of their lives.
For LGBT young people this is important, as accessing an LGBT youth group is often the only place they have to talk about their experiences away from homophobia as well as an opportunity to increase social and support networks.
I do have to question this increasing demand on youth workers to deliver recorded and accredited outcomes. Rod Weston-Bartholomew reflects in the piece that this is due to youth work's increasing professionalism and kudos.
But youth workers are being increasingly called upon to pick up the slack of educational establishments, which are not creating positive learning environments beneficial to all young people.
I am not disputing that through participating in the youth work process young people should be encouraged to learn, but this should not be the determining factor shaping service delivery.
In the end it comes down to one question: who do youth workers work for? My answer is the young people and as such we are accountable to them in providing the opportunities that they want to (and will) voluntarily participate in.
James Field, senior youth worker, Gay And Lesbian Youth In Calderdale
BAD HOUSING DRIVES POVERTY
The Barnardo's report It doesn't happen here clearly highlights that bad housing can lead to poverty.
Shelter's own research has found that children in bad housing are twice as likely to leave school with no GCSEs, suffer from poor health and be persistently bullied.
We are delighted that Barnardo's has backed Shelter's call for the Government to deliver 20,000 extra social rented homes each year. These homes could lift 150,000 children out of bad housing and give them the chance of a brighter future.
If Gordon Brown is to meet his ambitious target of halving child poverty by 2010, he must honour his promises that affordable housing will be a priority when he becomes Prime Minister.
Adam Sampson, chief executive, Shelter
'GANG' NEEDS A DEFINITION
We agree with the conclusion of the new report from the YJB, Groups, gangs and weapons (YPN, 23-29 May, p3), that the word gang needs to be defined.
Not doing this has led to unnecessary fears in neighbourhoods and other adverse consequences. However, once we have identified gangs, we need to work with agencies and communities on a range of measures so we can tackle them.
On the one hand this means engaging young people. On the other hand it calls for a coherent and combined effort to work with peers and parents and other positive role models. All this must be tied into the local policing plan and delivered in partnership with statutory, voluntary and community groups.
This approach is working in Southwark where we are working effectively with gang leaders, gang members and those considered to be at risk of getting involved in gangs.
With the right strategies and sufficient resources we can start to effect lasting change within our communities.
Rosie Chadwick, director, Crime Concern
STANDARDS FOR CARE-LEAVERS
Far too often young people leaving care are placed in below-standard and inappropriate accommodation, often in the worst areas of a town.
The Care Leavers' Associationcalls for the introduction of National Leaving Care Accommodation Standards,with the aim of stopping care-leavers being placed in unsuitable accommodation.
We believe that all young people should be ensured an appropriate, stable and safe place to live. This is crucial to enable them to succeed and feel happy in the outside world.
Victoria Hull, national development worker, Care Leavers' Association We welcome your views. Please send letters, including address and phone number to: The editor, Young People Now, 174 Hammersmith Road, London W6 7JP or email ypn.editorial@haymarket.com. We reserve the right to edit letters for publication.
