The National Youth Agency’s annual Youth Work Week campaign seeks to highlight the positive impact that youth work can have on young people’s lives and futures, and Lancashire County Council is taking the opportunity to celebrate the valued role that youth workers and young people play in our communities.
Based on the belief that young people deserve empowerment, and to be involved in decisions that impact them, youth work allows young people to discover and learn about themselves, others and society.
This year’s theme is ‘Festival of Youth Work’ and runs from Monday 7 November to Sunday 13 November.
We asked our inspiring youth workers in Lancashire, and the wonderful young people working alongside them, what they promise to start doing, or to continue doing, for the youth sector.
County Councillor Cosima Towneley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for children and families, said: “Youth Work Week is a great opportunity to highlight and raise awareness of the valuable work that goes on within our youth services all year round.
“So much of this work goes unnoticed by the public but the impact they have on the lives of children and young people in Lancashire is incredibly profound.
“Thank you to all our youth workers for everything you do and to the children and young people who have helped shine a light on the positive impact youth work has in our county.”
Laura Dewhurst, a youth worker in Hyndburn and Ribble Valley, promised to ‘recognise, celebrate and spread the word about the talents, efforts and achievements of the young people I work with.’
Andy Gibb, a youth support worker in Rossendale, promised to ‘keep listening to young people’.
Saniya Iqbal, a youth support worker in Pendle, promised to ‘provide a safe, warm and welcoming environment to all young people’.
April Rankin, a youth worker in the participation team, children in care council and care leaver forum Lancashire wide, promised to ‘involve youth voice in the decisions that affect young people’s lives.’
Jacqui Old, executive director for education and children’s services at Lancashire County Council, thanked youth workers across the county for the positive impact they have on children and young people’s lives.
She said: “We believe that children and young people should be as involved as possible in decisions that affect their lives.
“Our children are our future and should be at the very heart of what we do, and capturing their voice is crucial to securing positive outcomes for them.
“I would like to thank all our youth workers for all that they do to improve the lives of children and young people in Lancashire.”
Lancashire County Council will be showcasing its youth workers and young champions on their Twitter, Facebook and Youth Zone Facebook pages from 7-13 November.
