Detached Youth Work

Detached youth work is a distinct form of work with young people. It takes place on young people’s own territory such as streets, cafes, parks and pubs at times that are appropriate to them and on their terms.

It begins from where young people are in terms of their values, attitudes, issues and ambitions and is concerned with their personal and social development. It is characterised by purposeful interaction between youth workers and young people and utilises a range of youth and community work methods.

What we do……

Detached workers provide confidential advice, information and support on any or all of the following:

• Homelessness
• Education, employment and training
• Sexual health
• Drugs and alcohol use/misuse, including information on drugs and the law
• Crime diversion including anti-social behaviour and its consequences
• Counselling, dealing with issues such as stress and depression

How we do it…..

• Develop and maintain contact with young people
• Support young people who do not access existing services
• Provide informal opportunities for social and personal development
• Support young people at risk
• Recruit for specific programmes and services
• Support young people to access other supports and appropriate services
• Provide young people with information, advice and support