Celebrating Youth Work Week 2022

07/11/2022

We're celebrating the valued role youth workers and young people play in our communities as part of Youth Work Week.

Led by the National Youth Agency, the annual campaign shines a light on the positive impact youth work has on young people in the present and the future.

Youth work helps young people to learn about themselves, others and society, and is based on the belief that young people should be empowered to get involved in any decisions that affect them.

This year's theme is ‘Festival of Youth Work' and will run from Monday 7 November to Sunday 13 November.

In Lancashire, we asked our inspiring youth workers and the wonderful young people who work alongside them to make a promise to start doing, or keep 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, has 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."

Look out for us on the Lancashire County Council Twitter and Facebook pages, where we will be sharing information about our services as well as some photos of youth workers and the young people they support celebrating Youth Work Week.

You can also find out more by following our 12 Youth Zone Facebook pages, simply type in the name of your district followed by 'Youth Zone'.

Please do join in by using the hashtags #YouthWorkWeek and #YWW22.

Find out more about Youth Work Week.

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