In an introduction to the material, Tom Wylie, chief executive of The National Youth Agency, says: "This is a vital time to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle to young people. But the task of doing so is far from easy. The media warns us that we are raising a PlayStation generation, sitting in their rooms munching on junk food.At the same time, the media tells us it isn't safe to let our children play on the streets.
"Youth work, with its informal education approach, dedication to innovation and putting young people's needs first, is ideally placed to encourage and support young people to adopt healthy lifestyle choices. Youth Work Week is a fine opportunity to launch health-related initiatives, projects, games and campaigns.
"We don't doubt the commitment and creativity of the workers and young people, but we call on local authorities and voluntary organisations to consider the implications of alarming medical and government reports and develop strategies to boost young people's participation in leisure, sports, the environment and the arts. In this way, as well as highlighting and celebrating the good work that is already being done, and the valuable role youth work has to play within this, we hope the week will also spark off lots of fresh ideas."
Youth Work Week has been held annually since 1992 to provide an opportunity to highlight the contribution of youth work to the development of young people and to focus attention on the positive roles young people play in their communities.
Andy Hopkinson, head of publications at The NYA, explains: "There is no set formula to the week. What happens is entirely up to the youth services and others who choose to take part - groups are simply invited to use the week however they see fit to promote their work under the banner of Youth Work Week. In previous years events have ranged from one-off specials involving hundreds of young people to showcasing the group's regular weekly meeting.
"We hope the information on our site will inspire more people to get involved in the week and help promote the benefits of youth work to a larger audience."
The information on the site looks at subjects such as nutrition, exercise and obesity; sexual health; smoking, drinking and drug use; and mental health and wellbeing, as well as giving ideas for activities and featuring case studies of successful projects.
Further information will be added between now and Youth Work Week and The National Youth Agency would also like to hear about any events and suggestions you may have. Details and queries can be emailed to Tim Burke at timb@nya.org.uk.
- For more details on this year's Youth Work Week, visit The National Youth Agency web site at www.nya.org.uk.
