Resilient, resourceful and reimagined”: Reflections on Scottish youth work in times of crisis

Description

Scottish youth work services make a huge contribution to young people’s everyday lives and their sense of safety, identity and belonging. This is especially significant in low-income areas where youth workers have a key role in reducing inequalities and the impact of poverty. Regrettably, like other neighbourhood services, the youth work sector has suffered significant funding cuts. This position has worsened throughout the pandemic as the needs of young people have become more complex and challenging to address. Cuts to funding have been linked to limited or no access to suitable buildings and facilities, and as a consequence, the lack of safe youth spaces.

Our presentation brings together two youth researchers (YouthLink Scotland and University of Edinburgh) working at the intersection of practice and research. While we recognise the benefits of youth work to individual youth people, we take a broader focus by concentrating on youth work’s contribution to social infrastructure. With examples from across Scotland, we shine light on the multiplicity of ways youth work practice is supporting community belonging, connectivity, voice, and in some cases, resistance. We will celebrate the resilience and resourcefulness of youth workers and set out a radical vision for how their community role can be reimagined in these challenging times.

Period	4 Sept 2024
Event title	Stop the Clock Conference : 4th Journal of Youth Studies Conference
Event type	Conference
Location	BelfastShow on map