Workplace: Ask the expert - What's your problem?

Q: Our club was closed over the summer, which I think is ridiculous as it's the most appropriate time to recruit more young people since they have nothing to do. I have heard that a lot of the groups I work with have joined a local sports and social club. I don't know how we are going to attract them back.

Closing in the summer has always seemed a bizarre thing to do but is usually due to resourcing issues. If your project has been closed, it is not surprising the groups have found alternative recreation. To entice them back there are several things to consider.

First, make contact with the social club and find out what it offers and what attracts young people to it. You could develop a joint project to show support and encourage the group to share their summer experiences. You could also arrange something really different as a welcome back activity or to celebrate the end of the holidays.

The other thing to consider is that what they are being offered in the sports and social club might be more appealing than what the youth club is providing. This requires some serious soul-searching and possible revision of your programme. Strange as it may seem, young people often change an awful lot over the summer holidays. They move on, and we must not forget this when we want to re-engage them.

Q: One of our young members passed away during summer and I am nervous about how the young people will respond to the news. I really want to encourage them to express themselves and in some way create an opportunity to commemorate his life. What do you suggest?

There are many ways of doing this, not least talking to the group - they are bound to have ideas about how to remember their friend. If you are stuck for ideas, you could have a dedication evening where you spend the time doing the young person's favourite things, like watching a film or playing their favourite game.

I did see what I thought was a great idea on a trip to Israel earlier this year. A whole class of pupils had created a beautiful memorial to a classmate by decorating large pebbles and placing them in a heart shape in the garden. All the stones were different and what was great about this was not only the visual impact but the way in which each piece was so personal. Even someone who didn't know what to say could still contribute by leaving their stone unmarked, but placing it with the others. You could substitute the stone idea for a range of things depending on the space you have.

Q: Over the summer we had a lot of music activities and at some point I got into a debate about my music taste. I mentioned that I used to like the Glitter Band and Sweet among others. Now I seem to be credited with the nickname "Gary Glitter" (my name is Gary) but I am worried about the connections this might make.

Let's face it, Gary Glitter is unlikely to be remembered for his music. Although this was only meant as a bit of fun, these things can and do get misinterpreted and often stick. Make it clear that you don't want to be associated with this name. Perhaps run a competition to find you a new nickname - that way you won't be seen to be taking yourself too seriously.

Tracie Trimmer-Platman is a trained counsellor and youth work consultant. Email your workplace dilemmas to asktheexpertywn@hotmail.co.uk.