YOUTH workers and young people have been celebrated for their valuable contribution to their communities.
As part of Youth Work Week, Solihull Council paid homage to the organisations, youth workers and young people involved in youth clubs across the borough.
To mark the occasion an outreach bus travelled across Solihull on a roadshow, from November 4 to 10, with DJ workshops and graffiti competitions, while giving young people the chance to speak about what their youth club means to them.
The roadshow showcased youth groups at St Phillip’s Church in Dorridge, Ordinary Magic in Shirley, Inclusive Sports in Chelmsley Wood, FITCAP in Smiths Wood, Urban Heard in Fordbridge, Winnr Sport in Dickens Heath and Solihull Moors in Elmdon.
Youth organisations in the borough engage with thousands of young people each year and have a huge impact in shaping resilient, inclusive, and vibrant communities by supporting their development and wellbeing.
Advocates and mentors support young people in areas such as education, mental health, drugs and alcohol, sexual health and personal growth while they make the transition into adult life.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, cabinet member for Children and Education at Solihull Council, said: “These events are about celebrating achievements, addressing challenges, and building a stronger future for youth work. We recognise the importance of engaging with young people in Solihull, and Youth Work Week is a fantastic opportunity to thank all the people involved in working to support young people in the borough.
“The roadshow also captures the experiences of youth workers, gaining an insight into the challenging and fulfilling experience it is to work with teenagers. Youth workers can have a huge impact on a young person’s life and their development into adulthood, leaning into a more confident outlook on life, or steering them onto a more positive path.
“We are hoping our roadshow will provide inspiration for people to consider what can be a very rewarding career choice. Qualifications in youth work give fantastic transferable skills as well as acting as a stepping stone into youth work roles in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors. Courses are available at Birmingham City University while The National Youth Agency are offering several youth work apprenticeships.”
