The Youth Work Fund evaluation has uncovered persuasive evidence of ways youth work impacts on the CashBack for Communities outcomes and brings positive changes to the lives of many young people.
Outcome results demonstrate that most targets are being met or surpassed, although targets are out of sync with activites that are subsequently funded.
The wellbeing SHANARRI indicators reinforce that young people perceive their local youth organisations as part of an extended family, especially where families and education relationships are weakened. Starting where they are from within a safe and inclusive environment; young people welcome not being judged or criticised for mistakes, but valued, respected and supported to grow into the adults they wish to become.
Diverse ranges of intervention pay credence to the sector's claim that 'It's not what you do, it's the way that you do it.' This was evident in Edinburgh when About Youth responded directly to police records of rising anti-social behaviour as it occurred. Outreach work in a known crime hot-spot has diverted young people away from the downward spiral of the criminal justice system. Courage was needed to ignore the initial rejection and find a way of winning young people's trust to redirect negative energy into positive pursuits.
West Dunbartonshire stands out for taking a partnership approach to delivering a summer programme that successfully engages young people from all areas of deprivation identified across the local authority. It is a model that others should consider to gain comprehensive coverage.
The Dundee & Angus ADHD Support Group arose in response to one parent's recognition of a gap in the system. It has grown to offer holistic support for families that often feel misunderstood.
conclusion
PEEK in Glasgow's East End used the funds to support a girls group to build their resilience, whilst actively working to tackle acute food poverty. Surrounding the girls group is a package of progressive recreational, personal development and employability pathways.
In Perthshire, the Breathe Project has built a reliable youth hub in a remote area. It's attentiveness to a diverse and scattered population has led to tackling rural isolation whilst delivering alternatives to school for those that are disengaged.
Despite such diverse approaches all the projects have commonalities. They see young people as assets to their communities. They believe in young people's potential to be catalysts for change and seek to widen future horizons.