Councils have a statutory duty to “secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, sufficient provision of educational and recreational leisure-time activities for young people” and to make sure young people have a say in the local offer (Section 507B, Education Act 1996). This is often referred to as the ’youth services duty’. The statutory guidance was updated in September 2023, outlining the requirements for local authorities in the delivery of the duty. Youth services provide essential support to young people, providing them with a safe place, trusted relationships, stopping them from being ...

Reconnect, get connected and stay on track As youth workers we all know that our mental health and well-being can be improved by taking five simple evidence-based steps: Connect. Be active. Take notice. Keep learning. Give. I am sure you would agree that Youth Work provides the spaces needed to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing and it is a highly rewarding profession. Youth workers can make a positive difference to the lives of the young people they engage with. However, the work takes place in a variety of ...