The journey from childhood to adulthood can be tricky for many young people and for many, the last two years have made it more difficult than ever. Without support at the right time, in the right place and on the right issues, it can affect their chances and opportunities for life. Often young people lack places where they can be themselves and explore the development of their personality, skills, relationships and their potential.
There aren’t enough trusted adults around who can walk alongside them to offer advice or guidance. In this absence, some young people become vulnerable to other influences which negatively impact their journey into adulthood. In turn, this can lead to exploitation or dependency.
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When I first started coming to the youth club, I was normally out in town getting myself in a lot of trouble. Such as doing things that I didn’t want to do and getting in a lot of trouble with the police. I was hanging out with the wrong people."
Existing inequalities and young people’s needs have grown over the last two years! Rates of lockdown loneliness have been highest amongst young people, leaving one in four feeling ‘unable to cope’ during the pandemic. Referrals for under-18s to mental health services rose by 28%. Young people’s ability to form and maintain healthy peer relationships have changed, with more reliance on social media and mediums with negative messaging.
During the lockdowns, Erin’s school closed, the youth centre closed and she was furloughed from her job, all in quick succession. She felt frustrated and worried that she “
doesn’t have any control” over her own future. Post lockdowns, she remains lonely and she's having major worries about how future restrictions will affect her mental health. The constant uncertainties have taken their toll on young people as well as many who support them.
A year ago, James told his youth worker that he had lost all hope for any future aspirations and said “
there’s no point in doing anything”. James had been looking forward to starting an apprenticeship in September 2020. By September 2021 his confidence and self esteem had dropped, while anxieties had grown to the point of him being unable to re engage in training.
Our impact in and on the community
Maisy's Story-
"When I first came I was really naughty and not good. Just bad, I don't really know how to explain it. I would always get in trouble, well not always, most of the time. I got in trouble for shouting at members of staff. But I learned new things like how to make cake pops and how to make friends. Here we do activities and I learn new things which have helped me make new friends. I'm not as shy now and I've made new friends."
We unlock potential with young people and their communities by providing safe spaces where young people can go, to be themselves, hang out with friends and experience new opportunities. Everything we do is through voluntary engagement and starts where the young person is at. 95% of young people who attend our sessions said they feel safe
"Coming to the youth club for a longer amount of time now has changed my overall attitude towards turning my actions around. The youth workers are always there to talk to and support you. I feel safe in the youth club. It’s out of the way of the town and I get into no trouble here. The youth workers give you chances. I feel supported in life since I came to the youth club and I’ve started volunteering and my life has become more positive!”
Our professional youth workers, teachers, community workers and social prescribers, offer someone safe to talk to, so young people can ask questions that they might not want to ask their parents, carers, friends or others.
95% of young people we work with told us they had a youth worker they could trust.
We provide a continuum of services that support young people along the journey to adulthood. From intensive 1:1 support and street-based outreach at critical turning points to open-access youth centres and online support.
"My son attended the year 7 youth club on Tuesday evening and came away - what I can only describe as ‘buzzing’! He said it was ‘epic’! Thank you to whoever was volunteering/working that night. He can’t wait for next week!"
Together with our supporters, we make a difference to the lives of thousands of young people and their communities, but there's more young people that need us. You can be part of a special group of compassionate supporters who believe in the potential of all young people, no matter their circumstances. Together we can support young people to unlock their potential for tomorrow.Your generosity and kindness means these young people aren't forgotten, but get the help and support they need to not only enrich their own lives, but to strengthen our communities across Devon.
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