Q: How did you get into youth work?
I’ve always had a passionate for advocating young voices. Being the oldest of 7, I’m grateful for their trust in me and I love being there to support them. I’ve been encouraged by many in my life to take up similar roles of support. I feel with youth work I can make the biggest difference. I’ve worked with SEND young people and experience neurodivergence myself. I love to encourage those feeling isolated or alone as we’ve all felt like this. Ultimately, I grew up an active member within my community and chose youth work to continue the path. If I positively affect just one young person’s development, I’ve won in my mind.
Q: What do you like about working with young people?
As youth worker I enjoy learning about different young people and their challenges. With every conversation I gain new perspective on how to perform my role and within my own life. I’m taught patience and empathy – traits I admire – as I’m never too old to learn, and our young people remind me of this regularly. My work is extremely purposeful. Seeing their confidence grow, upon building new relationships, is very exciting for me.
Q: What do you think young people are dealing with most nowadays?
Regarding current challenges young people face, online safety is paramount. Young people can be exposed to dangerous or sexualised content much earlier through social media or the internet. Following this climate, cyber bullying thrives. Furthermore, due to an increased mental health awareness in young people, there could be an issue with self-fulfilling prophecies or over identification.
Q: Is there anything that has surprised you about working with young people, or entering the world of youth work?
One thing that surprised me about about working with young people is how much youth work happens in the moments we don’t plan for. Besides the main activity of the day, the most valuable moment could have been a random conversation I’ve had with a young person or seeing someone who is nervous at first open up over time.
Q: What would you say to a young person who is feeling nervous about joining Mary’s Youth Club?
It is a slightly strange question because Mary’s has always been changing – that is the nature of open access youth work. The programme, the vibe, is shaped by whoever walks through the door and what they bring with them, so it has never really been one fixed thing. If I had to name the biggest structural change, it would be becoming a fully independent youth work charity, having previously been part of a larger organisation. That was a significant moment. But in terms of the work itself, the relationships, the values, the way young people are met – that has stayed remarkably consistent, which is actually the point. Our new ‘Find Your Club’ website can also help – it has a full 360° tour of the building to help you familiarise yourself with it before you come along.
Q: How do things compare to you growing up?
I think one of the biggest differences is how much more open the conversation around young people’s wellbeing is now compared to when I was growing up. There are more opportunities for young people to talk, ask for support and have their voices heard. And they’re taking it upon themselves. At the same time, I think some things haven’t changed. Young people still want to feel accepted, make friends, have somewhere they belong, and have adults around them who they can trust. Those needs were important when I was growing up too.
Q: What are some of your favourite experiences at Mary’s Youth Club so far?
My favourite experiences include times all the young people engage in an activity together. Whether its trips or tailored activities – though sometimes it can be as simple as tag. Furthermore, seeing those who were not confident at the start of their Mary’s journey go out to make new relationships themselves is amazing to see. Summer Camp holds some of my best moments too. The young people showcased their talents, and it was the most passionate I’d seen them.
Q: Where do you hope to see Mary’s Youth Club in the future?
I hope to see Mary’s continue building on what already makes us special, and to create even more opportunities for young people to get involved have a say on what we do. Maybe offering more leadership roles to young people in terms of planning but also more opportunity to develop confidence and other important skills.
Q: Three words you would use to describe Mary’s Youth Club?
Supportive, Inclusive, Memorable
Q: What can people do to support the youth club?
Donations are what we all think first however support can cover a wider range of categories and is not always financial. People‘s time and skills are valuable, and deepening the connections we have with the community across the borough of Islington is vital; a network of likeminded people that can support each other. Attending our events and activities is also a form of support and spreading awareness about who we are and what we do.
