Thinking Thursday, spotlight on services
Detached Youth Work
The Detached Youth Work teams operate without the use of a building and takes place where young people "are at" both geographically and developmentally.
We deliver informal and social education and addresses whatever needs are presented to or perceived by the youth worker.
As Detached Youth Workers have no physical building over which they have power or control, the relationship between young person and youth worker is entirely voluntary and constantly up for negotiation.
The teams are highly experienced in working with all groups of young people; from some of the most challenging and vulnerable young people in the community, to groups of young people who just ‘hang out’ with nothing better to do.
The team works in areas where they are most needed; known as ‘hotspot areas’ working with young people aged between 11 and 19.
The team supports young people to raise their aspirations offering them new positive experiences that aims to give the young people the right information and self-awareness to make positive decisions in their life and for the future.
They have access to a mobile resource known as the Kontactabus, working with young people in the community enabling youth workers to build trusting relationships and to create discussion; identify the issues faced by young people and by the community, delivering brief interventions on substance misuse, staying safe, healthy relationships. Youth workers support young people to address these issues.
For example support may include:
Links to other support agencies
Support for accessing training
Discussion on decision making and personal journey
Challenges and implication discussion on behaviour
Involvement in issue-based projects
Participation in positive activities
Involvement in community initiatives which give something back to the community