Youth work by the freezer cabinet

We've all been there. Depending on how much time and energy we've got, we might just respond with a simple nod or stop for more of an in-depth conversation. And there can't be many "off-duty" youth workers who haven't tried to steer clear of a young person on at least one occasion.

But sometimes you don't get a choice to engage or not. There I was, minding my own business, gazing into the freezer cabinet evaluating the merits of potato wedges over oven chips when I heard someone shouting out my name at the top of their voice across the supermarket aisles.

I immediately turned round. Careering towards me was a young woman pushing her brand new Mamas & Papas buggy weighed down with dozens of carrier bags. She greeted me like we were old friends, asking me how I was before telling me the latest instalment of her life story, which I can assure you was anything but dull.

Passing shoppers might have assumed we went back years. They may have thought we had been neighbours at one time or close work colleagues. But actually I've only met her three times.

The last time we met was at a youth group where we helped her work through some of her problems. I remember it well. She was two months pregnant and was proudly passing round the photos of her first scan. I know absolutely nothing about the whole ultrasound thing. But I did my best and asked a few questions about the experience.

Anyway that was then. I hadn't seen her since she had had her baby. But it didn't appear to make much difference. She seemed really pleased to see me again and wanted to tell me about how well things were working out for her. Becoming a mum was the best thing to have happened to her. And those were her words not mine.

As we said our goodbyes, I headed off towards the checkouts reflecting on what it is that makes young people want to stop and talk to me, or any other youth worker for that matter.

This particular young woman had a good news story to tell. And that always helps. But even if things were not going so well, I think she still would have wanted to talk with me. Why? Because it's her choice to. Youth work is at its most effective when young people choose to engage with youth workers. No-one has to talk to us, which in a strange way makes them more likely to.

The voluntary relationship at the heart of youth work is a powerful thing. And that's something you can't buy off the shelf.

Michael Bracey leads youth support services for Southend-on-Sea Borough Council. Email him at michael.bracey@haynet.com.