Youth Work in Devon Partnership
“Our vision is to give more young people places they can go to that are safe, with someone to talk to who can understand and assess their needs and help them to become active participants in their society”
Caroline Down, Space
We are currently working closely with VOYC to officially the Youth Work In Devon Partnership- this will include a new VOYC website, local network information and more. In Partnership with VOYC, this will be launched at a Devon-wide conference in November (more information to follow.)
The Partnership has been formed to bring the youth work sector together in Devon to take collective action, generate solutions to problems and provide increased outcomes for young people. Some of the drivers for the development of a Partnership include:
the need to provide more connected support to those that work (paid and unpaid) the 50+ local youth work settings, the majority of whom were working in isolation;
to resist a sense of ‘competition over collaboration’ with regards to youth work delivery, especially in relation to procurement and educating commissioners on the value (and cost) of quality youth work;
to develop our collective knowledge of the workforce and the potential skills and resources that currently exist within Devon that could be harnessed;
to address the increase in turnover of volunteers in the sector as we experience higher expectations on smaller organisations to manage risk and deliver ‘targeted’ youth services.
Our Hopes
Young people, youth work services and communities should experience:
A greater coherence, and collective voice, in regard to youth provision and its value;
Increased outcomes as those who support them have clearer pathways to support & training;
Shared methodologies and approaches to showing impact via an agreed quality framework
Collective bargaining, both locally and nationally for increased resources (financial and other).
Are you looking for a local youth centre?
If you are looking for Youth Services in your local area, please email communityteam@spacepsm.org with your location and we will contact you with details of your nearest service provider.
Current Priorities
We are meeting regularly at the moment to discuss the changes to NYA guidance and how it impacts on the reopening of youth provision across the county. If you would like to be part of the conversation then please book onto a session using the calendar.
Join us and get the benefits of collaboration
If you work, volunteer or help to run a youth group as a trustee for example, then why not join us? Its free, easy and brings access to:
Phone, email and physical support - real people talking about real youth work practice!
Our annual Small Grants Fund - money to help you deliver your work
Zoom catch-ups and discussions - guest speakers
Youth Work training - local and national opportunities
If you are interested in setting up a youth centre in your community then please talk to our colleagues at VOYC, they can help you assess your needs and navigate the sector to find the best solution for your young people.
