Youth Work Week

AS THE annual National Youth Work Week draws to a close, a leading city councillor has reflected on the contribution made for and by young people in Dundee.

Lynne Short, deputy convener of the council’s neighbourhood, housing and communities committee said: “This year's theme, Youth Work and Young People's Mental Health, gave us a chance to demonstrate the impact that youth work has on young people's lives.

“In the city our work with young people provides them with safe spaces and trusted relationships that supports and builds their resilience and can be the difference that stops things getting worse and helps them to heal.

“I was delighted to see a spotlight was shone on our work with young men, in particular Boys Community Safety Group which brings together young men to explore issues affecting their safety, wellbeing and sense of belonging within their community.

“Working alongside youth work staff, the young people had opportunities to build confidence, strengthen peer relationships and develop practical skills to navigate very real challenges in their day to day lives including drugs, antisocial behaviour and knife crime.

“Sometimes it's the simple things that make the biggest difference, having somewhere to go, something to do, new experiences to enjoy and people to connect with.

“In the summer holidays, our youth workers worked alongside young people in Dundee to plan activities, organise trips and provide a welcoming, safe space where young people could spend time together, build friendships and try new things.

“Sport, and other physical activities have also acted as a diversion and catalyst for conversation in parts of the city, and I am pleased to have been able to see for myself some of the great work that is going on.

“While Youth Work Week might be coming to an end, it is a year-round commitment by workers in Dundee.

“Sometimes it’s easy to forget that young people are tomorrow’s workforce, leaders and shapers of the world. If we give them a good grounding and the tools to deal with the challenge, we are all in safe hands.”