Page 18 - link magazine

YOUTH & YOUTH WORKERS
18
Working alongside young people

Unlike many other adults whose in West Swindon fully take control of their own
jobs involve work with young lives. Through our contact with
people, e.g. teachers, employers, What does "Youth work" mean? them, we are often in a position to
social workers, probation offi- The West Swindon Team takes this opportunity promote self-help, encourage
cers, the role of the Youth Worker to explain their work with young people In the area. 'peer group' support and offer
is not so easily understood or young people the chance to ex-
identified with. plore other ways forward.
As a team of youth workers in Underlying this approach to
this area, our primary task is to our work is a shared concern
'get to know' young people and about the powerless position
offer them a friendly, supportive young people hold within their
relationship based on mutual own communities, and society at
trust and understanding. One of large. At a time when young
the differences between our- people are finding it increasingly
selves and other workers, is that difficult to find independence
unlike those mentioned above, and adult status, society appears
youth workers have no statutory to be neglecting its responsibility
right to demand young people's for the situations that many indi-
time and commitment. Our rela- vidual find themselves in. Our
tionship with them is therefore a work often reflects such pres-
voluntary one. sures on young people which
Unfortunately, for some leads to the need for 'crisis inter-
young people, relationships with vention' with regard to home-
adults are all to often based on lessness, unemployment, drug
the notion of 'authority' with West Swindon's full time youth workers, left to right, Carl Bowen, Lyn use, other health issues and fi-
little opportunity for them to Davis, Jo Marchment, Ian Crawford. nancial hardship.
explore the benefits of relating to In our work with young
adults on more equal terms. style of work. This involves leav- where many young people people, places for making 'con-
Traditionally, youth workers ing our buildings to work with choose to spend their free time. tact' with them are crucial, the
have been identified with youth young people on their own For many people, this style of wider we spread ourselves, the
clubs, and seen only to be work- ground, on their own terms. This work appears very informal, but more young people we are going
ing with those young people who is why we are often seen in cafes, we as workers are not without to get to know. In order to help
walk through their door. The pubs, community centres, or aims and responsibilities. Youth this process, the team combines
West Swindon team tries to simply hanging around on the Work is about helping young 'detached work' on the streets
adopt a 'detached' or 'outreach' streets for these are the areas people to gain a clearer under- with 'building bases' such as the
standing of themselves and their Link Centre, Greendown Com-
relationships within their com- munity School, Toothill and
munities. Family, friends, school Freshbrook Community Centres
Just Think.. often give rise to anxieties and Although as a group of workers
and working experiences can and the Toothill Farm Centre.
we strive to adopt a 'team ap-
pressures.
Young people need to feel they proach,' each member continues
No more painting. can come to terms with these dif- to be identified with a certain
No more climbing ladders.. ficulties, and in so doing success- area.
and No more rot..! The end of September sees the departure of Ian Crawford, West Swindon longest
serving youth worker. For three years Ian has worked closely with youngsters in
Toothill who see him as an adult they can trust and rely on, In a world where
The exterior teenagers find themselves under increasing social pressures.
He has described his job as 'providing liaison between kids and the system,' and
of your home In so doing frequently accompanied youngsters to the DHSS to sort out dole
COMPLETELY money, the council housing department, Swindon Police Station and the Magis-
trates Court. On occasion, going beyond the call of duty, he has provided a floor
MAINTENANCE and a roof over the heads of homeless youngsters.
Ian's contribution to the development of the West Swindon community should
FREE clearly be recognised. Without doubt he will be missed byToothill's young people.
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