Young people celebrated Youth Work Week 2013 by inviting local MP Richard Harrington to a youth work session. As part of the Give an Hour Initiative, MPs across England were asked to ‘Give an Hour’ to a youth work project in their constituency and by dedicating their time to youth work they have the chance to see first-hand the invaluable role youth workers play in their community.
The Y Team meet weekly at the Orbital Community Centre in North Watford to plan and deliver community projects in their local area. The group is made up of young people aged between thirteen and nineteen and is run in partnership by YMCA Watford and Youth Connexions. The young people asked MP Harrington questions on crime, their concerns on the price of bus fares and changes to benefits. The young people also shared about their recent litter pick, involvement in food parcels deliveries to vulnerable individuals and families, and their commitment to making a difference where they live. They were able to learning about the role of an MP, and encouraged to be actively involved in politics, to make a difference to issues that concern them. Some of this group have recently nominated themselves to become youth representatives for a new Woodside Youth Forum and it is hoped in 2014 to visit Parliament with the MP. Emma Brown, Youth Work Manager, YMCA Watford says; “It is really important not only for MPs to be aware of the amazing work young people are carrying out in their local communities, but also see some of the fantastic youth workers supporting young people in their journey. We really appreciated Richard taking the time to visit one of our sessions and see this first hand, and I know the young people really enjoyed the time he spent with them”
Organised by the National Youth Agency, Youth Work Week runs from 4-10 November and will see youth groups and projects all over the country showcasing their activities. NYA Chief Executive Fiona Blacke, said; Youth Work Week is a time when people from every part of the sector can come together to celebrate and promoted what youth workers do and the often transformative contribution they are making to young people’s lives. It’s also exciting to know that this isn’t only happening in our small patch, it’s happening in countries across the world, and that we are part of a global movement!”.
The YMCA has organised a number of awareness raising activities this week including visits to West Herts College and Francis Combe Academy and careers talks on becoming a youth worker.