News
Youth Work Week: 31 October - 6 November 2011
31 October 2011
Youth organisations, youth workers and young people are coming together this week to showcase the impact youth work has on supporting strong communities during Youth Work Week 2011 - an annual celebration of youth work organised by the National Youth Agency since 1993.
This year’s theme “Youth Work – Bringing Communities Together” was launched by the National Youth Agency in response to the disturbances in cities around the country during the summer and aims to showcase the role of front line youth workers in working with young people and communities to foster positive relationships and a sense of belonging.
Local Authorities and youth organisations have been submitting case studies to the National Youth Agency’s website to showcase the value of youth work to their local community.
Contributions range from cross generational initiatives to bring communities together through youth-led music events, peer education initiatives to ensure young people have skills to tackle first aid emergencies and Halloween initiatives to maintain good will within local communities.
The individual impact of youth workers within communities is being celebrated this year with the launch of the Youth Worker Award. Nominations for the first Youth Worker Award have been flooding in to the Agency and the winner is to be announced and presented with their award at an event to be held at the House of Commons on Wednesday 2 November 2011.
The National Youth Agency is also holding round table event on 14 November at the House of Commons to provide an opportunity for MPs, young people and the media the opportunity to discuss the value of youth work within local communities.
Fiona Blacke, National Youth Agency chief executive, comments: “The theme for this year’s Youth Work Week has struck a chord with youth organisations, youth workers and young people alike and we are delighted so many have embraced the opportunity to highlight to politicians and decision makers how investment in youth work can address community issues and enable young people to feel they have a stake in society.
“At a time when Local Authorities are making critical budget decisions, we want to highlight the importance of great youth work, not only to young people but whole communities. We have been closely monitoring the local media and receiving event listings and case studies and have been encouraged by the number of fantastic events and activities that are being organised this year to ensure youth work gains the profile it deserves.”
To find out more about Youth Work Week visit www.nya.org.uk/youth-work-week-2011 or send your event listing and case study to communications@nya.org.uk