Special event showcases youth work, training achievements, partnerships and young people’s voices.
Earlier this month, over 70 youth workers, learners, partners and young people came together in Glastonbury for the Somerset Youth Alliance Celebration of Youth Work — an uplifting evening of listening, reflection and shared stories, recognising the real difference youth work makes in young people’s lives across the county.
Despite more than a decade of significant funding cuts — including a 75% reduction in the local authority youth service budget since 2011 — youth work in Somerset continues to change lives through strong partnerships and innovative practices.
The event brought together partners from across the sector, including the National Youth Agency, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset and the High Sheriff of Somerset, alongside youth workers, learners and young people.
In a panel discussion, young people took centre stage, sharing why being heard and supported by trusted adults matters. The panel was hosted by Helen Embleton from the National Youth Agency, who said:
“Youth work is essential to helping young people thrive. What’s happening in Somerset shows the power of skilled youth workers and strong local partnerships making a real difference to young people’s lives.”
“Youth work is essential to helping young people thrive. What’s happening in Somerset shows the power of skilled youth workers and strong local partnerships making a real difference to young people’s lives.”
Helen Embleton, Programme Manager, National Youth Agency
A key highlight of the evening was celebrating the latest group of learners to complete youth work training through Turtle CYP and the Somerset Youth Alliance. Since 2022, the programme has supported more than 120 people to gain recognised qualifications. Cole Broadbent, a youth worker from 2BU who participated in the training shared:
“I learned the value of giving young people a voice, supporting them to make decisions and being led by them.”
The evening also turned its focus to the forthcoming National Youth Strategy, with attendees united in a clear message: young people must be at the heart of future decision-making. Partners outlined a number of shared priorities, including strengthening workforce development, maintaining long-term investment in training and skills, and creating more meaningful opportunities for young people to shape the policies and services that impact their lives.
Katherine Nolan, CEO for Spark Somerset, the charity which hosts the Somerset Youth Alliance, said:
“Youth work is about relationships — showing up for young people, listening to them, and helping them realise their own strengths.”
And the conversation doesn’t stop there. On Thursday 2 April, the Alliance will be hosting an Action Day focussed on youth voices, digital youth work and the National Youth Strategy. Find out more and book your place here.
For further information about the Somerset Youth Alliance and to become a member, visit their website.
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