Why is mobile youth work necessary?
Mobile youth work provides a lifeline for young people in rural areas who would otherwise be left completely isolated. Taking youth work to where young people are can be a cost-effective, flexible way to engage with such young people, who often lack access to transport to get to youth clubs in bigger towns.
But while mobile youth work can support young people in rural areas, it can be of benefit in a whole range of settings – from the most remote countryside area to the bright lights of the inner city.
How do you go about setting up a mobile youth project?
Having the right vehicle is essential. As with any type of youth work provision, it is important to establish what it is that you are trying to achieve – and to find an appropriate way of putting your plans into practice. For youth work in a rural village, groups rarely exceed 15 in size – meaning that a converted van is fine. For youth work in larger areas, it may be more appropriate to find a bigger vehicle,
such as a bus.
The Somerset Rural Youth Project uses vans that have been adapted to provide a small group space for young people to meet. They are adaptable and can work with young people pretty much anywhere. In the winter, they provide a warm, dry and light space. In the summer, they offer a focal point for young people, while sports and other activities can be run in the nearby area. They have electricity for making hot drinks, playing music or running computers.
There may be some logistical work required to prepare the vehicle for use. Removing or repositioning seats can help to create the environment you want. Fitting the vehicle with an electricity supply is helpful.
You should also make sure your vehicle looks attractive to young people. Beyond that, you can have whatever kit you want – but flexibility is important. Flexible kit means you can develop a responsive approach to young people.
How do you gauge success?
The techniques for measuring the success of mobile youth work provision are not really any different from those required in any other setting. Effectiveness in reaching young people could be measured by the number of those engaging with the project, or by the feedback of young people who have taken part in a particular activity.
Some funders have asked for a decrease in the amount of antisocial behaviour in
a particular village. But softer outcomes can be measured too, such as a group’s ability to engage with their parish council or their feelings of confidence and safety within a village.
What other things do you need to consider?
There are some very practical things you need to think about. Where do you plan on parking your vehicle while running a session and have you got somewhere to store it when notin use? Is your vehicle covered by your public liability insurance and do you have vehicle insurance? Have you got the funds to maintain the vehicle, or repair it if necessary? These might all be relatively easy to sort out – but they do need to
be sorted.
Communication is also absolutely vital – in particular communication with the community in which you are working. This includes the council, the police and local schools. It really is not good enough to just pitch up in a village car park without working with the community first. At best, it is just rude. At worst, it can lead to widespread suspicion and hostility from a community who do not know who you are or why you are there.
It is far better to work with the community, before you even start, and to keep in touch until your project is finished. Being mobile does not mean that you aren’t connected – a mobile project that is supported by its local community is far more likely to succeed.
By Steve Baker, delivery team leader at Somerset Rural Youth Project
TOP TIPS
- Use a vehicle appropriate to what you want to offer, and to the size of your group
- Make sure you have appropriate insurance for your vehicle
- Make the vehicle attractive to young people, removing and repositioning seats as necessary
- Get buy-in from the local community, including council, police and schools
