Youth work celebration gets into full swing

Education Minister Jane Hutt has lent her support to a week-long annual celebration of the role played by Wales’ youth workers and the groups they run.

Youth Work Week, which started on November 1, is a Welsh Assembly Government supported initiative designed to encourage more young people to get involved in regular community-based activities and to persuade more people to become volunteers and youth workers. This year over 300 events will be taking place across the country in support of the week.

The Minister recently announced an additional £2.5m funding package for youth work as part of the draft budget, reiterating the important contribution youth workers make to the lives of young people.

Jane Hutt said:

“There are over 20,000 youth workers in Wales and the work they do is invaluable. The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to ensuring the development of youth workers continues as the work they do in their local communities is vitally important.

“There is a need for many more creative and committed people to consider taking up youth work and making a positive impact on the lives of the next generation.”

There are a range of educational and entertainment events during Youth Work Week all designed to help showcase the range of activities available to young people aged between 11 and 25.

In addition, the Youth Work Week website contains a host of information including local listings of activities as well as information for youth workers, such as suggested activities to organise for young people and advice for those wishing to become youth workers.

Jane Hutt added:

“Youth programmes across Wales allow young people to fulfil a range of interests and provide an outlet for their positive development and creativity. These programmes would not be possible without the support and dedication of youth workers.”