Street-Based Youth Work

Street-Based Youth Work aims to reach out to young people who either have little access to local youth provision or choose not to be part of it. 

The project provides a way to support young people who have been missed by other youth services but may benefit from being in contact with a youth worker.

Though many young people are living locally to corps, they are not necessarily coming into our buildings.

Street-Based Youth Work provides the opportunity for youth workers to engage with local young people. The goal is not necessarily to see them at church on a Sunday, but to provide consistent and active support in their lives.

Project aims

• To meet young people where they choose to be.
• To build relationships with young people.
• To identify and respond to the needs of young people. 
• To facilitate meaningful conversations that may result in positive and informed decision making. 
• To support and challenge young people’s attitudes and actions.
• To advocate on behalf of young people and bridge gaps in understanding between the local community and young people. 
• To signpost young people to our services or other service providers. 

'I found Street-Based Youth Work a great alternative way to meet and engage with young people in the community. I saw this as a great opportunity to be a presence in the community and for young people to know there are people who care about them.'

'During the pandemic, getting out in the community and stepping out from the walls of our corps building allowed the team to engage with those young people we lost contact with due to lockdown, but also young people we had never met before. 

We got to know a large group of young people at one of the local skateparks, in an area where violence and drug issues were present. Within a few weeks, relationships developed and conversations around school, family, relationships, drugs and alcohol were taking place between the team and young people. 

We continue to engage with young people all over Glenrothes and our weekly presence gives young people consistent access to help and advice if required, and safe adults to engage with. 

We help young people to identify their own issues and work with them in making more positive decisions. Building positive relationships with young people has given us opportunities to discuss faith and has led to young people attending activities within the walls of our corps building.

The Salvation Army’s Street-Based Youth Work training equipped us with knowledge, support, advice and encouragement, which was so valuable when starting a new project.'

For more information, email childrenyouth@salvationarmy.org.uk.

You can also join our Street-Based Youth Work network on Facebook to stay up to date with additional training and gatherings of detached youth workers across the UKI.