National Youth Work Week celebrates the champions of youth work
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The team of volunteers and staff work with High Life Highland to support and provide a range of services for 11-26 year olds.
There is a worker placed in each of the 29 high schools catchment areas.
Workers are encouraged to develop work themselves, and are offered a range of schemes to celebrate their achievements, like the Saltire Awards.
HLH Youth Work Manager Nigel Brett-Young said: “Youth work takes place in buildings, on the street, and in virtual worlds – though the reality is, youth work takes place wherever young people are.
“It’s done by volunteers and paid staff, young and old, all over Highland and each one of them is a champion.
“They love helping young people to learn and grow and provide a safe space so that youngsters make sense of their world and the other worlds out there.
“Everyone has different ways of doing it, but they all have a very clear and common approach - a passion to try and be there for young people whoever they are, and wherever they are in their lives.
“Youth work is unique compared to other professions in that young people choose to be involved and the relationship between worker and youngster is an equal and two sided one.
“There’s no interview, or assessment, no judgement or ulterior motive, and no pressure to perform or attain.”
Mr Brett-Young continued: “Earlier in the year we welcomed Kelly - not her real name - a 15-year-old girl to one of our youth groups.
“She was quiet, even a bit miserable, and wasn’t bothered about much of what was on offer. But she was welcomed by friendly youth workers who just let her be herself. And she kept coming back.
“Gradually, she confided in one member of staff – Kelly chose to initiate this – and her story came out, giving meaning to why she was quiet, withdrawn and unhappy. Worries about her family during Covid, especially her granny, and the impact it was having on her school
education.
“The youth worker listened and helped her to express her feelings. To articulate her worries, but also eventually her hopes and ambitions. Part of the offer was information and signposting to services – all at Kelly’s pace and her in control.
“About three or four months after Kelly started coming along, she smiled for the first time. She got involved in activities, worked with others on projects and began making new friends. She was part of something, and she looked well.
“She gained confidence, she enjoyed trying new things and gaining new skills. That smile was the achievement, that smile was the success.”
He added: “Youth workers are champions and are always there for you whatever the weather, your mood or the time. It is no exaggeration to say that youth work changes lives.”
