Detached Youth Work is a key element to the ongoing success of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Services For Young People as it engages directly with those who are not reaching their full potential in life.
On evenings, weekends and during the school holidays, Street Based Youth Workers are meeting young people wherever they congregate – from street corners to parks – in an effort to listen to their needs, raise aspirations and broaden horizons and help them achieve their goals and ambitions.
Working directly where the need is most, they engage with young people on their own turf and offer advice and support on a whole range of issues which may affect them, from sexual health advice or substance misuse support and alcoholism to helping them find a job or follow further education possibilities.
With the aim of providing an individual, needs led service; within an environment of trust, support and respect, Detached Youth Workers offer a voice for those who have historically found it difficult to get their voices heard.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning Cllr Eudine Hanagan said, “The aim of the Detached Youth Work Team is to design and facilitate one to one, and group interventions targeting young people in high-risk groups and vulnerable communities of need.
“It is our belief that Young People have the right to be heard and related to as equals and our service delivers accessible non-stigmatising support, information, guidance, mentoring and advocacy.
“This is just one of the many ways we engage with young people in Rhondda Cynon Taf. There is certainly no typical day in the world of youth work, but all staff share a passionate belief in the potential of young people and a real commitment to making a difference.”
The Detached Youth Team are funded by Building the Future Together, which seeks out those young people who are at risk of under achieving and leaving school without any qualifications or skills to find a job and proactively supporting them to develop confidence and skills to make a successful transition into further education or work.
The £14million scheme, which is part financed by the European Social Fund Convergence programme through the Welsh Government, targets 11 to 19 year olds, offering a range of activities and intensive one to one support for those young people who are not reaching their full potential.
The Detached Youth Team operates on a school cluster basis throughout the County Borough and each of the 12 cluster has a pair of Detached Youth Workers who usually work four evenings per week often including Friday night and weekend provision.
The youth workers engage with young people in a variety of outdoor settings wherever they may gather. They befriend and engage with the young people, building trusting and positive relationships.
The Detached Team also receive referrals via the local schools, childrens services, On Track, Education Welfare Service and other agencies for more specific one-to-one support or help them access services available to them.
Detached Youth Workers are one of a number of ways in which the Council’s award-winning Services For Young People engage with the younger members of the community.
The work of the street based team often takes place in partnership outdoor education and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award staff and volunteers; curriculum development and training staff; and the special projects team to provide information via various media. In addition, the youth integration team offer personal and social development programmes alondside the community-focused schools and e3+ programme of after-school and holiday activities creating a network of activities and support for young people across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
For further information on Services for Young People in Rhondda Cynon Taf visit www.wicid.tv or call 01443 744000.
