Youth Work Week 2022: The importance of youth workers

Monday, November 7th, until Sunday, November 13th, marks Youth Work Week. The theme of Youth Work Week 2022 is Festival of Youth Work, which aims to celebrate Youth Workers and their continuous commitment and impact.

What is Youth Work Week?

Youth Work Week is an annual celebration organised by the National Youth Agency. The Hunslet Club wanted to join in with the celebrations as we are incredibly proud of our team of youth workers. We are always blown away by them as they turn up each day with enthusiasm, positivity and boundless amounts of energy.?

The impact of youth work

Youth work has an immensely positive impact on young people in the present, which will benefit them in the future. Even the smallest gesture can have a huge impact, and our youth workers know this. Whether they are teaching young people a new skill, providing an ear to listen or showing they care, our youth workers offer support and understanding to everyone that walks through the doors.

Sometimes young people just need someone to believe in them or someone who will sit down and listen to their musings. Young people want to be seen, to be heard, and our incredible team of youth workers do this and more.

Young people need encouragement, support and understanding, and youth workers can provide an extra layer of support. So many young people miss out on exciting new opportunities; due to certain circumstances, youth clubs are a way to provide an equal playing field where every young person can be seen.

Our youth workers

We sat down with two youth workers, Leonie Moncrieffe and Rodney Mubiru, to ask them questions about their youth work at The Hunslet Club.

Leonie Moncrieffe

What is your Job Role?

Youth Intervention Worker

Why did you become a youth worker?

I became a youth worker to support young people. I offer a non-judgemental, empathetic and understanding listening ear to connect with young people, as this helps them express who they are and how they are feeling. I want to empower them and allow their voices to be heard. Growing up, I never felt like I had that person I could go to when I needed support. This way, I can be that person for a new generation now.

What do you enjoy about working with young people?

Along with seeing these young people learning new things, I enjoy participating in the fun activities we offer. Engaging with the young people who attend our club helps me build a rapport with them.

What is your greatest accomplishment as a youth worker?

My greatest accomplishment as a youth worker is building strong rapports with the young people who attend the club and being able to support them through any issues they may be facing.

Why should young people come to The Hunslet Club Youth Clubs?

At The Hunslet Club, we offer a safe space where young people will have a sense of belonging, a place they can call their own. We have a lot of different activities available, which enables our young people to make new friends in a supportive environment. Offering a safe space helps get young people off the streets where they may be more at risk of getting into negative situations.

Rodney Mubiru

What is your Job Role?

Youth Worker

Why did you become a youth worker?

I became a youth worker because I wanted to help. I want to help young people reach their full potential and encourage them to improve any skills they want when they come to the club.

What do you enjoy about working with young people?

The most enjoyable aspect of working with young people is seeing them pick up new skills and use them in the activities we provide. It is nice to know they will also be using those new skills outside of the club as well.

What is your greatest accomplishment as a youth worker?

As a youth worker, my greatest accomplishment is seeing the zeal and energy young people demonstrate when I deliver a session. The new ideas young people come up with for sessions I conduct indicate that they have a real passion for progress and assisting those around them.

Why should young people come to The Hunslet Club Youth Clubs?

Young people should attend The Hunslet Club Youth Clubs as every youth worker is willing to guide everyone who comes into our sessions through difficult situations they may face. We create a community dedicated to progress and enjoy being a part of that progress.

Thank you to our whole team

Thank you to our team of youth workers, not just the ones we have mentioned here. We cannot articulate how much our youth workers do and the difference they make. They give the young people who walk through the doors the resources to learn new skills and build confidence. It is more than just a job; it is about helping young people in any way they need. From showing them a new way to learn, to simply saying, ‘you can do this’, young people just need support and encouragement, and our youth workers are here to provide that.

Our youth workers show up each day with a passion to give back to the local community, to help these young people reach their full potential. We could not be prouder of our team, and they deserve to be celebrated, not just for one week, but for the continuous and unwavering support they provide our young people.

Thank you to all the other youth clubs operating today as well. We need more organisations that focus on helping young people, and we are always blown away by the commitment we see from our fellow youth clubs.

Let’s keep up the good work and support young people today for a better future.?