Darren’s journey into hospital youth work
Talking to a young person about death must be one of the hardest jobs, but for youth worker Darren Meade, helping young people manage their complex or life limiting condition whilst also helping them to navigate all the usual challenges of being a teenager is all part of the role. Darren qualified as a youth … Continued
Youth centre closures linked to greater risk of young people entering criminal justice system
Whilst youth services have been cut by 77% over more than a decade, violent offences among young people remain at unacceptably high levels warn the National Youth Agency (NYA), in its latest report, The social cost of youth work cuts: Preventing youth offending through youth work, published at the start of Youth Work Week, from … Continued
A night to remember as NatWest Thrive graduates are praised by Marcus Rashford
Over 500 young people received praise from youth campaigner Marcus Rashford for their commitment to NatWest Thrive, the life skills and money management programme he initiated. The graduates, who took part in NatWest Thrive at 15 youth clubs across the country this summer, came together virtually for their graduation ceremony, hosted by TikTok influencer Luke … Continued
Leading youth sector organisations call for Roadmap to a National Youth Strategy
Twenty leading youth sector organisations, including the National Youth Agency, OnSide, Groundwork, UK Youth, Scouts, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Network of Regional Youth Work Units, are calling upon the government to recognise the professional value of youth work and the positive impact it has on young people’s outcomes through the publication of … Continued
Statutory Duty for Youth Provision Update
The NYA welcomes the publication of the government’s new guidance for Tier 1 local authorities on their statutory duty to provide young people with access to youth work activities to support their wellbeing and to promote their personal and social development, in line with section 507B of the Education Act 1996. The new guidance makes … Continued
National Youth Agency & NatWest Group Partnership Celebrate Nomination at Charity Times Awards 2023
We are thrilled that our NatWest Thrive programme developed in partnership with Marcus Rashford, and young people has been recognised at this year’s Charity Times Awards. The programme was successfully piloted last year and has helped hundreds of young people across the UK to develop a positive money mindset – gaining the skills and confidence … Continued
New guidance for youth work in private dwellings demands ‘no compromises’ around safety of young people
New guidance entitled, Youth Work in Private Dwellings: Safety first – no compromises, published by the National Youth Agency (NYA) on 21 September, advises against delivering youth work in private dwellings such as homes, garages and gardens. Exceptions include where there is no alternative location locally, or where the young person is facing particular challenges, … Continued
National Youth Sector Census highlights uncertain finances for voluntary organisations despite delivering lions’ share of provision
The latest report from the National Youth Sector Census, managed by the National Youth Agency, shows that a fifth of youth work organisations have a waiting list of between three and six months and are struggling to meet demand. Despite undeniable need for these services, a quarter of voluntary sector organisations delivering youth work have … Continued
New Standards aim to support quality and safety of youth work delivery
As the Professional Statutory Regulatory Body (PSRB) for youth work in England the NYA sets the occupational standards for youth work, as well as supporting the sector to build its skills and capacity to enable more young people to access the personal, social, and educational development opportunities provided by youth work. In line with its ambition … Continued
BeYou (Porchlight) Awarded Advanced Level Quality Mark by National Youth Agency
The BeYou Project for LGBTQ+ young people under the age of 25 across Kent and Medway, was awarded an Advanced Level NYA Quality Mark in July 2023 – during the height of the country’s Pride celebrations. The service is part of the housing and mental health charity Porchlight (Kent’s largest charity supporting homeless and vulnerable … Continued