Youth Work
Holistic thinking | Taking care of the personal, social and spiritual development of a young person.
Youth work has the needs of the young person at the core of its programmes and projects. Youth work strives to help a young person reach their potential. In an informal setting and in a positive and safe environment, youth work allows a young person to explore their personal goals, becoming more self aware, identifying their contribution to society and having the space to ask questions concerning life and faith as they journey through adolescence.Working as a youth leader or youth worker as a volunteer or in a part time / full time capacity, there will be the desire to use a relational model in youth work, building rapport and appropriate relationships with young people. In doing this you are gaining insight into their world, their pressures and their challenges.
Being aware of their needs, alongside their developmental stage of life, you have a strong opportunity to allow them space to learn, develop themselves as they make decisions in life, that may not only affect them but others. In their stage of adolescence the youth leader has the opportunity to allow young people to ask the questions they have around their faith, their future, their relationships. Often young people at this stage of life value having a safe place to talk.
We are designed to be in relationship with those around us. It is a core part of our existence here on earth. Mention the words ‘relationships’ or ‘sexuality’ to a young person, and ask them to define them and they will have to wade and sift their way through today’s conflicting, confusing and constant messages being pumped out across computer networks, social networks, mobile phones, television screens, bill board posters, magazines and ipods.
How does a young person make sense of it all? How does a young person deal with the demands and pressures they face in relationship building amid the rollercoaster journey called adolescence. Without clear, consistent and cohesive messages how can we expect young people not to trip up?
The picture of young people across the country is varied, some young people are under more pressure than others in the relationships and sex arena. But one thing is certain : young people have genuine questions about their relationships with others and this is the area where they need good guidance and support.
In all you do and are as a youth leader, a young person’s personal, social and spiritual development are key areas for you, in particular as you facilitate them in their thoughts, questions and discussions concerning relationships, sexual health and faith.
