Detached Youth Work

Within the Shetland Island Council Youth Services Team, 2 new detached youth workers have taken up post and are working in Lerwick.

Detached youth work is a distinct form of work with young people. As with all youth work it uses the principles and practices of informal education to engage young people.  Youth Services are trying to engage a wide range of young people and are working closely with other agencies to meet with some of those young people whose lifestyles are sometimes chaotic and problematic.

Detached youth work, however, is distinct from all other forms of youth work as detached youth workers work where young people have chosen to be, whether this is streets, cafes, shopping centres etc. workers make contact with young people wherever they are.

The workers have been engaging young people who hang around the street and the Viking Bus Station.  They have been working with large numbers of young people and discussing the issues that young people have.  The needs of young people are changing rapidly, social networks, computer technology and busy working lives means that we must try and connect with young people in a different way.  The detached youth workers are going to where young people are and meeting them in their territory. The workers have talked to young people about services and facilities for young people and have started to build up a good picture of their hopes and aspirations.  The workers are on the street three times a week, they have been going to the Viking Bus Station, street and Clickimin area. It is hoped that working with young people in this way we will be able to better meet their needs and support them to make positive decisions.

For more information please contact the Detached Youth Work team on detachedyouthwork@shetland.gov.uk