@secretyouthworker
Youth Work Specialist - 20 Years Experience - Micro blog - Reflections, Support & Tips - Follow me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=james-joseph-o-4a1347336
Youth Workers Scrapbook!
Filled with Free #youthwork Sessions Plans and Youth Voice Data with Actionable Insights
Updated on a monthly basis
youthworkersscrapbook.blogspot.com?m=1
MEASURING IMPACT #YOUTHWORK
The Million-Dollar Question in Youth Work:
How do we measure the impact of our work?
How do we know if we're really making a lasting difference?
Let's move beyond just counting numbers and start measuring what really matters!
REFLECTION #YOUTHWORK
The best youth workers Iβve worked with all have one thing in common:
They reflect. Constantly.
MOTHERS #YOUTHWORK
Although not always the case mothers can play a key role in helping us support their child in Targeted interventions. So in celebration of #mothersday
Here's what I do to make the relationship truly collaborative.
#youthwork
βοΈ Whatβs the one thing young people should take away?
βοΈ Can I communicate it simply?
βοΈ Can I scale learning engagement without disrupting the flow?
#youthwork 6/6
π The best sessions arenβt the ones that look great on paper when you show your manager, theyβre the ones where young people go home having understood and learnt something.
Now, I always ask myself:
1οΈβ£ Simplicity Wins β Strip it back to one clear focus.
2οΈβ£ Adapt Mid-Session β If theyβre struggling, adjust on the fly.
3οΈβ£ Age Perspective β If I were their age, would I understand this?
A session only works if the young people understand it.
It didnβt matter how detailed or innovative my plan was, if they couldnβt grasp it quickly, it wasnβt effective.
π‘ What I learned:
I was convinced it would be my best session yet.
But once we started, chaos unfolded.
β Young people were confused.
β Multi choice answers met with confused questions.
β Frustration replaced Engagement.
That was the moment it hit me
By the end, I was explaining more than they were learning.
SIMPLE SESSIONS #YOUTHWORK
Early in my youth work career, I designed what I thought was the perfect session on the dangers of stereotypes for a group of young people aged 12-13.
β Relevant real world examples
β Multiple choice answers
β Layered counters to promote discussion
1/6
I asked 50 males and 50 females aged between 12-16 if they like to engage with certain activities at our youth hubs. Here are the answers #youthwork
I asked 75 young people that i work with whats the single biggest concern for them in our local area, See the data picture for answers in full. #youthwork
To better understand the positive impact of youth clubs I work in, I asked 66 young people aged between 12-16 how they felt their life had improved since coming to youth club. Here are the results #youthwork
Things to Highlight on your #youthwork CV
1. Your expertise! Showcase what makes you unique:
2 Mentoring experience and successful programmes
3β’ Training that eligns with your expertise
4 β’ #youthworkers success under your leadership
5 β’ Technical knowledge - analysis, measuring outcomes
Focused activities are great tools to have the best conversations with young people #youthwork
#youthwork
Dont run session like everyone else!
Use ur personality to run sessions the way u do.
Remember
Make more decisions = make more mistakes
Its all learning #youthwork
Watched the knife crime doc on BBC, Horrifying watch!. Politicians must corelate the data of the increase in violence with the closing down of activities for young people. The youth dont just need policing they need resourcing!
More youth clubs
More Free activities
Employment opportunites
In #youthwork where generations change and you have to adapt to new ways its always important to keep learning
Love the process
#youthwork is an infinite skill; no one ever "completes" it.
A growth mindset, curiosity, and enthusiasm are crucial for longevity.
Organic learning matters
Experiences in #youthwork, even in unpredictable environments, shape essential skills.
Whats your thoughts?
Im a big advocate for open access youth groups.
I think for too long we have only prioritise Targeted #Youthwork when both should coexists.
I did a consultation feedback form woth young people recently and safe space was words that they used a couple times so i got no issue with the term
Ingrediants for an attractive (to young people) youth provision
1. Engaging Activities
2.Trusted #youthworkers
3. Food
#youthwork
Reflection in #youthwork
#youthwork
Dont get to reliant on your Qualifications to get a job in #youthwork
80% of where you could progress to as a #youthworker will be through a combination of having work mentors, networking and standards you commit to.
Last week I apologised to a young person for blaming them for something.
Vulnerability, accountability, and self-reflection (such as apologising for mistakes) build respect and rapport.
It enables young people to see their #youthworker as a relatable, supportive human being.
#youthwork
4οΈβ£ Encourage Dialogue: Supervisions should be a conversation, not a lecture.
They need to feel open to challenge feedback, celebrate wins, ask for support and address if you as a manager are meeting their needs.
Staff tell me they look forward to our supervisions which is a win for me #youthwork