We have been reminded recently of the vital role that Detached youth work can play in engaging young people, through our ongoing work in Filey. This can be especially valuable in a small coastal town like Filey, where access to opportunities and services can be limited. North Yorkshire Youth (NYY) Youth Workers have continued to meet young people where they are—on the streets, at the park, the beach, or skate park—offering connection, support, and a trusted adult presence. It has been particularly important for this provision to be offered recently, due to the temporary closure of Filey youth club, which has been paused to enable new staff to be brought on board. In place of this, NYY Youth Workers are out and about each Wednesday evening, working hard to continue to provide a consistent presence in the local community for young people.
Through this work, Youth Workers offer support to young people, including those who may be facing mental health challenges, isolation, or simply boredom. This detached youth work has provided an informal, approachable way to access help and build relationships. It can also help to prevent anti-social behaviour by creating opportunities for positive interaction, conversation, and connection.
Whilst this work is helping to bridge the gap in local services, NYY feel passionately about the benefits of continuing to provide a local youth club, offering a structured, safe, and fun space for young people to come together. This will be particularly crucial as we approach the colder, darker months. NYY are therefore seeking local volunteers who can spare their time to support the club and help it to reopen. By offering even one evening per a month of your time, you could help to make a significant difference to your local community.
If you are passionate about supporting local young people, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can create something positive and lasting for Filey’s future.
Contact Youth & Community Development Worker, Mary-Ann if you would like to volunteer, or have an idea for a new club in Filey: [email protected]
Mary-Ann Cartwright, Youth & Community Development Worker, Scarborough