CEO Blog: Youth Work Week: A Celebration and a Call to Action

Youth Work Week is always a highlight in my calendar – a moment to spotlight the incredible impact youth workers have across the OnSide Network and beyond. This year, youth workers from all our Youth Zones gathered at The Way, Wolverhampton Youth Zone for our second Power of Youth Work Awards, hosted by our inspiring Young Ambassadors: Chloe, Charlotte, Issy, Jake and Alice.

It was more than a celebration – it was a powerful reminder of the difference youth workers make. We heard moving stories from young people sharing the huge impact youth workers have had on their lives, honoured standout achievements through the Youth Worker Awards, and hopefully reminded every youth worker just how much they matter to young people.

We also ran workshops on subjects ranging from quality youth work practice to mentoring young people. The whole day refilled my tank with fresh determination to support young people navigating lives increasingly shaped by screen time. In a world dominated by technology, the role of youth workers is more vital than ever. Buildings and facilities matter, but it’s the quality of relationships, activities, and communication that truly drive impact. The session on female engagement was especially insightful – with examples like Inspire Youth Zone’s netball initiative, showing how tailored approaches can shift the dial.

What struck me most was the power of connection. Bringing youth workers together from across the Network created a sense of unity and shared purpose. Youth work can be isolating, and the demands of delivery can be exhausting. But when we connect, we strengthen our collective impact – from Carlisle to Croydon.

The event also underscored the urgency of the challenges we face: funding gaps, recruitment struggles, and the need to sustain high-quality youth work. At its core, youth work is about trusted, consistent relationships – the kind that allow young people to ‘remove the mask’ as one of our Young Ambassadors put it, and open up about not only their problems, but their hopes and aspirations, too. These relationships are built over time, often quietly and subtly, and their impact is profound. What stood out throughout the day was the depth of connection – between youth workers and young people, and among youth workers themselves. It was a space where shared purpose and mutual understanding sparked new ideas, strengthened bonds, and reminded us all why this work matters so deeply.

Finally, a message from our Young Ambassadors hit home: youth centres are still battling outdated perceptions amongst parents, carers and schools. Too many see them as places for ‘naughty kids’ – a view that couldn’t be further from the truth. Youth Zones are spaces for all young people to thrive, take agency over their lives, and feel supported.

So, as we reach the end of Youth Work Week, let’s go on to amplify this message. Let’s raise the profile of youth work, challenge misconceptions, and ensure youth workers get the recognition they deserve.