Our purpose
Everything we do at UK Youth is in order to ensure our society understands, champions and delivers effective youth work for all young people.
With an open network of more than 8,000 youth organisations and nation partners, UK Youth reaches more than four million young people across the UK.
UK Youth is involved in the delivery of a range of programmes which collectively reached more than 120,000 young people last year. Programmes include outdoor learning, through our Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre in the New Forest, physical literacy, social action, mental health and employability, including our summer jobs scheme, offering paid work experience to young people at risk of violence.
What is youth work?
Youth work is a distinct educational process in various settings that supports a young person’s personal, social, and academic development. Youth work allows young people to explore their values, beliefs, ideas, and issues. It enables them to develop their voice, influence and place in society. Youth work also facilitates learning practical or technical skills which empower young individuals to realise their full potential. It enables them to develop their voice, influence, and place in society. In youth work, young people are at the centre of the practice, and youth workers aim to help them overcome challenges, disadvantages, or obstacles that hinder their maximum potential. This approach fosters holistic growth and empowerment.
(Source: 2020 National Youth Work Curriculum)
