A broad range of services that (with partners), offer the most appropriate support to young people who face many different issues.
There are three elements to this work: universal open access youth work; Youth Inclusion Information Advice and Guidance Projects (‘YIPs’, with NACRO); and targeted youth work (sub-contracted by Connexions).
- Universal Open Access Youth Work
- Targeted Youth Work (Youth Inclusion Project)
- Information, advice and guidance
Why Youth Support Services?
We help vulnerable young people avoid exclusion in all its guises so that they can fulfil their potential and be an asset to their families, the local community and the economy.
We provide young people with the opportunity to meet, have fun and engage in their community.
How it works
As well as offering generic support to all young people in the community, we also work with more vulnerable young people. We build long-term relationships with them based on trust, mutual respect and understanding. This allows us to offer appropriate, targeted and intensive support. Our work significantly cuts the risk of truancy, anti-social behaviour and first-time entry into the criminal justice system.
What we do
1. Universal Open Access Youth Work
Leaving school, starting work, going to college… young people may feel a bit more uncertain or anxious around such times of transition. We run centre-based activities, mobile provision (using a van) and detached youth work (working with young people where they choose to meet, eg on the street, shopping centres etc). We also work with schools, colleges and various other partners to make sure that young people have all the support and information they need to move smoothly from one stage of life to the next.
As well as offering generic support to all young people in the community, we also work with more vulnerable young people. We build long-term relationships with them based on trust, mutual respect and understanding. This allows us to offer appropriate, targeted and intensive support.
2. Targeted Youth Work (Youth Inclusion Project).
Over time, and through various means, we identify young people with specific issues (eg anger management, truanting, problems at home or associating with known offenders). We invite them to take part in tailor-made projects or one-to-one work designed to support them around those specific issues. There are three Youth Inclusion Projects (YIPs) aimed at different age-groups. Pupils at risk of exclusion, for example, take part in our hugely successful and innovative Educational Support Programme. This helps them stay in education and gain qualifications, even though they are not in school.
3. Information, Advice and Guidance
BARCA-Leeds advisers work intensively with more vulnerable young people age 13-19 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). These young people often have multiple needs. We work closely with partners and schools to address needs ranging from housing to how to respond to job ads and prepare for interviews. This work is sub-contracted by Leeds Connexions.
BARCA-Leeds says.
The impact of youth work is notoriously difficult to measure. But what we do makes a real difference to young people, their families and community. It’s not just about reducing rates of offending or anti-social behaviour. When I see a young person who thought they had nothing building their confidence, winning an award, achieving accredited learning, being able to speak up for themselves… that’s what we’re here for. I truly believe in young people. The community never forgets we’re here. Years later, young people we’ve worked with will drop by to say hello, introduce us to their own children or tell us about their new job.
Facts and figures.
- 32 young people per week engaged in our Youth Work programme
- BARCA Connexions works with around 16 young people per week on a 1:1 basis
- BARCA Youth Clubs are open-door services. Around 20 young people attend each twice-weekly session.
How we could grow the service
Future services will be developed specifically around the needs of young people with a local cluster of schools.
Andrew’s story
Andrew, 15, often attended a local youth club. One day, he approached one of the youth workers to ask whether they might get together elsewhere instead. Over the next few weeks, Andrew and his friends, with the help of the youth worked, planned a day trip to Scarborough. They had to check train times, work out a budget, research what to do there, do a risk assessment, arrange permission forms, hold meetings and make decisions as a team. The Scarborough trip came and went; the skills Andrew picked up are permanent.
Sarah’s story
When the youth work van began to park up and open its doors in her neighbourhood, Sarah, 16, came along to say hello to the youth workers. Sometimes she would sit inside and have a chat. On other occasions, she would just watch a DVD or play a game. Sarah’s self-confidence was very low. ‘I’ll never get a job,’ she would say. ‘I can’t do anything. I’m rubbish.’ As Sarah’s trust in the youth workers grew, they were able to challenge her negative view of herself. Sarah eventually asked about volunteer work, and the workers were able to arrange this. Later, they helped Sarah apply for college. Sarah now works as a nursery nurse.
Josh’s story
The detached youth workers first came across Josh when he was 13. He was identified as one of the top 50 most vulnerable young people in the area. Josh, who was easily influenced by his peers, was associating with known offenders, and so was at risk of moving into the criminal justice system. The detached workers slowly but steadily built up their relationship with Josh. Eventually, Josh allowed them to help him apply for a building apprenticeship, which he got. Now that Josh has skills ranging from carpentry and joinery to brick work, his prospects are much more positive. This process took the best part of eight years.
