We are fortunate to have a diverse team of Youth Workers here at Mary’s, including those who do their student placements here with us.
So we decided to ask them to share their experiences from around the world
When I’m speaking with people back home in the United States, I’ll tell them I’m a youth worker and I’ll usually get a confused look in response. Though once I start describing what I do, they start to make the connections. If they know me well enough, they’ll usually say something like, “well, that makes a lot of sense for you” or “that seems exactly like the kind of role you’d love” (and I do!). But the most striking response for me would be, “I didn’t know places like that were a big thing.”
I didn’t go to a youth club growing up, in fact it wasn’t until I started working at Mary’s that I learned about an open-access youth club environment. I was part of my church’s youth group where I made life-long friendships and had mentors who were positive role models. At school, I had solid teachers who recognised my potential and showed unwavering support towards me. The local library was my go-to for accessing services like free tutoring and a warm place where I could escape from the business. A youth club can be all these things – a safe and encouraging place with invaluable resources and connections at a young person’s disposal. Yet, on a global level, the importance and impact of youth clubs gets overlooked. If we poured as much into youth clubs as we do with schools, saw it as educationally vital as libraries, and as spiritually rich as a welcoming church for those religiously inclined, there’d be no question in recognising the impact it has on society.
It was interesting to reflect, first of all, on how the two spaces are run on a day-to-day basis. Asociația DEIS’s youth club is mostly led by a team of young volunteers who generate ideas, plan and implement activities, and make sure that all members who come to the centre feel welcome and comfortable. The youth workers do more work behind the scenes, supporting the young people (who might very well end up becoming youth workers themselves, like I did!). At Mary’s, on the other hand, the youth workers are the stars of the show – they ‘make’ the space, while all young people can come in and enjoy the various sessions every day of the week. Of course, young people are constantly consulted, and they can get involved with setting up sessions and helping, but that is totally up to them.
(extract from the Bea’s full blog https://www.marys.org.uk/open-access-youth-work-romania-and-the-uk/)
I discovered my passion for youth work through reflection on my years of personal volunteering experiences. No matter where I am in the world, I find myself willingly dedicating my time, energy, and effort to creating a positive impact in the lives of young individuals. This commitment to supporting and uplifting young people not only fills me with a sense of meaning and hope for a better future but also resonates deeply with my potential to inspire and empower them to be the best version of themselves.
Youth work is a transformative field that equips young people with skills, confidence, and resilience alongside the community to which they feel they belong while addressing societal challenges. Despite its varied practices worldwide, my experiences in the UK, Australia, and Asia highlight a shared dedication to empowering personal growth, fostering social development, and unlocking young people’s potential.
In the UK, youth work emphasizes informal education and inclusivity. During my placement at Mary’s Youth Club, I contributed to programs like the Girl Gym, Girl Group, Festive Programs and Friday Night Club, which create safe and enjoyable spaces for young people to build life skills, friendships, and a sense of belonging. The club’s commitment to diversity is evident not only in its youth members but also in its staff, who represent various genders and nationalities and are actively involved in planning and assessment. This inclusive approach taught me how youth work can adapt to meet diverse needs while fostering equality.
In Australia, my role with Family Access Network (FAN) showcased the holistic approach to youth work. As a mentor and lead tenant, I supported young people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and discrimination, particularly those identifying as LGBTQ+. Each individual received tailored referrals and services to address their unique needs and circumstances. Witnessing their journey toward independence and self-reliance was deeply rewarding and underscored the critical importance of culturally responsive practices, especially when working with marginalized and Indigenous youth.
In Laos, youth work is community-driven and volunteer-based, emphasizing leadership and cultural values. Leading the English Café in Vientiane, I run a mentorship program for volunteers and facilitate workshops on leadership, public speaking, and critical thinking, creating a safe and inclusive space for young people to discuss issues like climate change and mental health. The program’s growth into a community of over 5,000 online members highlights the power of youth-led initiatives. Similarly, my participation in the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) demonstrated the value of cultural exchange and global collaboration in youth work.
