Good youth work works? 1
About London Youth Our vision is that all young Londoners access a wide range of high quality opportunities for learning and fun, beyond family and formal education, building strong trusted relationships with adults and their peers; leading to broadened networks and increased confidence, character and skills. Our mission is to support and challenge young people to become the best they can be. We want all young Londoners to have the best of this incredible capital city; for it to invest in their potential, encourage them as leaders in their communities and open up opportunities for them to thrive. We work with all young people, but place a particular emphasis on those who wouldn t otherwise have access to the kind of opportunities we offer. We are committed to quality standards, learning and understanding what works. And we involve young people at all levels of leadership and decision-making. And we strive to act in line with these three simple principles: 1. Honesty 2. Collaboration 3. Commitment to Improvement
Our network We support a network of over 400 diverse community youth organisations where young people choose to go. Reaching over 75,000 young Londoners. Aged 8-25 support throughout adolescence Representative of communities Diverse funding split Programmes versus rounded support Beyond youth
Our network We support a network of over 400 diverse community youth organisations where young people choose to go. With unique reach to over 75,000 young Londoners, Context: about London Youth, numbers, spread, current issues facing members, funding, demand on services, paint the London picture, geographical gaps and heartlands, age range, info from membership survey, types of orgs (e.g. housing associations) Areas of deprivation slide, vision of youth club for members slide
21 st Century youth work
Outcomes Social and emotional capabilities Confidence and Agency Resilience and Determination Relationships and Leadership Communication Managing Feelings Creativity Planning and Problem Solving Outcomes for society Employability Educational Attainment Health and Wellbeing Community Cohesion Active Citizenship Young Foundation Outcomes Framework London Youth s approach and support for our network The limitations of an evidence based approach Positive asset-based narrative
What makes a good youth club? Chosen and led by young people Safe Locally led and trusted with strong wider community partnerships A diverse and structured offer of opportunities Skilled staff and volunteers Robust governance including a clear mission and clarity of purpose A commitment to learning and improvement
The London Youth Quality Mark Progressive Involving young people Supported Accredited Over 100 clubs already achieved
The London Youth Quality Mark in partnership
The London Youth Quality Mark Having the Quality Mark highlighted key areas and has raised awareness within the management committee. We have changed our recording and documenting processes to better demonstrate our services and record all outcomes and outputs for our young people. We are now more confident about our working practices that shows when writing funding bids for more opportunities for young people to have fun in a safe, social setting. Josy Hughes, Ab Phab Ab Phab Youth Club in Dagenham offers a wide range of accessible activities for young people with disabilities aged 11-17 and 18-25+, and friends or relatives of the same age. It aims to encourage self-advocacy, empowerment and equality. Ab Phab successfully achieved the Silver level Quality Mark.
What are the challenges facing youth clubs? Short-term funding Variable quality and reputation Lack of involvement in design and delivery of programmes and services Low profile and status of what they do Workforce low pay, short term contracts, lack of security, training and development Challenges with connecting into local agencies
What could funders be doing? Investing in quality Acknowledging core costs and full cost recovery Backing evidence and track record not just innovation Giving flexibility in funding Offering long term support Funding positive outcomes not problems Involving young people
#goodyouthworkworks @LondonYouth 13