Youth work week 4th-10th November 2024
This week Leigh Youth Hub have been celebrating in style and raising awareness around the impact and importance of youth work. This year’s theme, ‘A right to youth work for all’ has allowed us to reflect on how accessible youth led spaces are and the significance of including young people to allow them to shape their own futures.
Back in May 2021 400 young people made their voices heard responding to a survey about what a new youth facility in Leigh should look like. From the responses a young persons steering group was formed to consult and ensure young people’s voices were at the forefront of the development. From furniture to branding the steering group discussed and forged the way forward for other young people’s accessibility needs, programme delivery and the importance of partnerships. Doors opened to the first young people November 2022 and the official ribbon cutting in February 2023 by Wigan Councils Executive Leader David Molyneux MBE. Leigh Youth Hub’s steering group continues to meet monthly to advance the wants and needs of the young people of Leigh and quality assure the delivery our youth workers provide.
Reece, a member of our steering group and who has been with The Hub since its conception said, “I have been coming to the hub for about two years now and have been involved for three and a half… With the volunteering that I’ve done including the steering group which I am a part of, it’s landed me with the job that I’ve got now…”
Leigh Youth Hub is built on partnerships and a full community approach. We’re made up of Wigan Council Youth and Community Workers, Leigh Sports Village Duty Managers, Volunteers, Community partners and Sponsors. Without all the time and dedication from everyone the service wouldn’t be possible, from Duty Managers keeping the building safe and open, to sponsors like Leigh Past Players ensuring we can offer daytime provision when schools are closed it truly is a borough wide investment.
Karen, our Senior Youth & Community Worker reflected on Leigh Youth Hub being a “Safe place for young people to come and try out new things, be open to new opportunities and just be themselves”. Hannah, our Youth and Community Worker, reflected on the relationship the Hub has with its young people, “I think it’s about the voluntary relationship and people make a choice to come and see us. We’re not a school you have to attend, or a service young people are obligated to come to, we’re a space for them to come and explore their passions…”
Throughout a month there are at least 15 different sessions for young people and targeted groups to access, from Hub to Home to Duke of Edinburgh the offer is vast and shaped by our young people and from feedback from our local community.
A young person who attends us regularly has said, “It’s amazing here. There are some good people, and I’ve enjoyed spending time with others. Since coming here I’ve learned more about how important it is to be kind to each other. I’ve learned if I’m nice to other people they’ll probably treat me well too.”
A parent of young people who attend our SEN Session has said, “Can I just say my daughters thoroughly enjoyed the Sen session this evening and would very much like to come back again in the future.”
Without youth work, including spaces like Leigh Youth Hub young people would be lacking in inclusive opportunities, safe spaces and links to other services. Youth work supports young people to become active citizens within their communities through voluntary participation and informal education. In the 2 years that Leigh Youth Hub has been open we have strived to create a more sustainable community for young people who access our services who feel empowered with more equal opportunities.
Youth work should be accessible to all and although that is the dream right now with passionate youth workers and young people who have a voice to be heard that dream could easily become a reality.
