Make case for investing in universal youth work
Derren Hayes
Monday, April 29, 2019
The government chose the recent Serious Youth Violence Summit to unveil a raft of youth work policy pledges - including the creation of a youth charter and review of youth work qualifications.
For a sector that has been largely ignored by policymakers since 2011's Positive for Youth strategy, the focus offers a chance to invigorate the youth work sector (see Analysis).
While the pledges have been widely welcomed, some youth leaders are concerned the measures view youth work through a narrow prism of tackling violence. When the proposals go out to consultation, youth sector leaders must ensure they make the case for increased investment in both targeted and universal services.
For a case in point, the government should look at the work of Redthread - whose chief executive John Poyton was one of the youth charity leaders to attend the summit. It targets support at young victims of violence when they are in hospital - this "teachable moment" is used as a catalyst to divert them away from crime.
Redthread's Youth Violence Intervention programme has rightly won plaudits. However, of equal importance is the youth club and health clinic it runs from its South London base - here, local young people can walk in to meet friends, take part in activities or discuss health concerns with practitioners.
Scores of open-access youth clubs up and down the country perform a similar role every week. They are the places where, according to Sandy Hore Ruthven, chief executive of Creative Youth Network, youth workers can support vulnerable young people to "build confidence and make new friends", which helps prevent them getting involved in violence.
Hundreds of youth clubs have been closed in recent years, but that should not be used as an argument for not investing in universal, open-access youth work. Creative thinking is needed along the lines put forward by youth work students from the University of Derby - if the finances don't support opening a dedicated youth club, why not run evening sessions at an underused community hall, mothballed children's centre or empty high street shop? And when considering how to meet the needs of young people, every council should have a dedicated digital space for them to interact online (see Analysis).
The need to act urgently on youth violence means the government is in listening mode. Youth leaders must now put forward innovative ideas for interventions that meet the needs of all vulnerable young people.
