Area Detached Work

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We have three funded area detached work projects, on the Brunswick, Grove Village and Victoria Park housing estates. We have been working in these areas for ten, six and eight years respectively. Work through these programmes begins with detached work, using conversation and dialogue to engage young people, build relationships and stimulate interest and learning.

This method relies heavily on the worker being able to use themselves and conversation as their main ‘tool’ for youth work initially, rather than activities. Workers aim to build relationships which recognise the innate worth and dignity of each young person and are characterised by unconditional respect, love and humility, at least on the part of the worker.

Once relationships are established, we work with young people to develop one-off activities, longer-term skills-based and issue-based projects and residentials of their choosing, as well as more conversation! We use these activities to increase young people’s participation and involvement, seeking to maximise the opportunities they provide for further informal education. Through these opportunities, we seek to help young people learn how to think critically about themselves and their environments, recognise their learning and to effect long-term embedded change.

As well as work with peer groups, we offer one-to-one support if needed. This can range from accompanying young people to Connexions, court, benefits office, housing office, etc, to advocacy with friends, neighbours, family, school, college, etc, to working with young people to help them achieve targets and goals they have set themselves. Our aim is always to promote a healthy and robust autonomy and inter-dependence.

Sometimes workers may find themselves facing challenging moral and ethical dilemmas through their work with young people. Workers need to be able to respond thoughtfully and carefully in these situations, acting for the long-term benefit of young people and the project, without compromising their own integrity.

   Registered Charity No. 1069401

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