Listen to what young people tell us about their needs now
Amina Waldron, director of youth-led company Youth Elements
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
No one really knows the long-term impact and implications this lockdown and pandemic will have on young people in the weeks, months and years to come. These uncertain circumstances are affecting them right here and right now.
Instead of thinking about what they can achieve and accomplish in the future – which could increase anxiety, stress, and depression, adding more to their vulnerable mental health state of mind – we, as youth workers, should consider how we can support and work with young people in this time of need.
Thoughts of the future
The nature of our profession means we want to assist young people to make things better while creating a sense of hope and achievement. These are important thought-provoking questions in a world without coronavirus, but the uncertainty of these challenging times means it is dangerous and risky territory to be asking young people to start thinking about what they want to achieve in the future. Questions about the future create a busy and active mind, however, psychologists suggest this can be a distraction to what is really happening in a young person’s life.
Our key roles as youth workers are to listen, support, empower, encourage, and motivate. It is however essential and vital to take a step back and be in the moment that young people are in now. How can asking a young person who is experiencing a traumatic time think clearly about what they want to achieve or be in the future? Surely creating daily or weekly goals that are realistic and achievable is more motivational and places them in a positive mindset? At least this way a small win is a big win.
Simply start a conversation with that young person, asking them what they are missing. This reflective starting point allows them to acknowledge what is deeply absent from their lives. This question enables them to dig deep while creating a healthy motivation, reflection time and gratitude, for themselves, exploring what they value. What do they have in their lives that they are grateful for? We might be surprised at their answers. Youth workers love a little reflection, is this not the time to look back with understanding, growth, recognition and gratitude?
Authenticity and honesty are the key traits we should be demonstrating to young people. The pandemic is challenging and hard for us all. So why try sugar coating it? We all say we are good listeners, but how many times has someone responded to your question and you haven’t properly listened to their answer because you were too busy thinking about what to say next? It is important to be in the moment and give them your undivided attention. This is their moment; a young person’s opportunity to open and share their deepest thoughts with an individual they trust and respect. That person is you, so make sure your ears are fully open.
Resilience and problem solving
Speaking to professionals within social care and education, youth workers need to empower young people to seek alternative routes and approaches to achieving their aspirations, building resilience and problem solving and the ability to deal with external factors is going to be fundamental to the growth of young people’s ability to cope with the uncertain and restrictive options. We need to be sensitive to young people’s wellbeing and it is also imperative that we are being honest about the employment market, educational opportunities and the likely hard times coming ahead. Through creating environments where young people can engage in a virtual peer-to-peer network, encouraging communication, hearing influential stories from other peers exploring coping strategies gives them ownership and responsibility. Our role as youth workers is just to be on the sideline observing.
Be kind to others and yourself
Our profession has witnessed the devastating impact this pandemic is having on young people. Emotions are running high; the unknown is fearful. In reflection young people are starting to understand and acknowledge that occasionally unforeseen external factors can sometimes be out of our control. This revelation for a young person, to witness that they cannot control what happens is naturally a shock, scary and overwhelming for them.
Creating an environment for young people to be kind to themselves and others is half the battle won. Just continue being kind and loyal to the young people you work with and remember to be kind to yourself too.