Youth workers’ dedication and commitment was celebrated at an awards ceremony on Friday 23 June, which launched Youth Work Week 2017.

Youth Work Week is an annual series of events across Wales that gives youth workers and young people the opportunity to celebrate and promote the achievements and impacts of youth work.

Events will be held across the week which will promote the invaluable work of youth workers in Welsh communities, with a showcase national event taking place at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday 27 June. By demonstrating the breadth and variety of the work, the week of events is an opportunity to show appreciation for the key role that youth workers perform in supporting young people’s development.

Charlie Price, a Youth Outreach Worker, said: “I work for the ‘Inspire’ youth work in hospital project which is based at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. The project works with young people around all sorts of issues, mainly focusing on emotional health and well-being. My role includes doing one-to-one sessions, delivering PSE lessons in schools as well as group work.”

“I love my job as a youth worker – it’s busy, so time rarely goes slowly. I get an immense amount of satisfaction from seeing young people I work with grow and develop.”

Another Youth Worker, Julie Wright, said: “I currently work in two secondary schools and deliver my work through the medium of both English and Welsh. I have worked for the Youth Service for nine years and in that time I have seen many young people develop their skills to become valued members of their community. I love the relationships you can build with young people and this I feel is the building block to ensure you can guide them to fulfil their potential. Above all, I hope that having a positive effect on young people will ensure that they are confident to ask for support now and in the future.”

Councillor Debbie Wilcox, WLGA Spokesperson for Education, said: “Having dedicated themselves to tirelessly supporting young people in our society, this week is an opportunity to thank all youth workers for their outstanding work. Often regarded as role models by those engaging with them, youth workers continue to provide information, support and guidance in contributing to the positive development of our young people as they navigate their transition into adulthood.”

If you would like any further information about events being held during Youth Work Week, please visit the Youth Work page on the Welsh Government’s website www.gov.wales.

To find out more about how to become a youth worker, please contact your Local Authority’s Youth Service.