MA Dissertation.

The purpose of the study was to determine the level of voluntary sector service provision for children, young people and families in South East Newport and to seek to identify any gaps in that provision. The study was undertaken as an internship within the Families First programme in Newport supported by the One Newport Local Service Board (LSB). The results will inform the LSB’s Neighbourhood Working Model.

Therefore this study, which is limited to provision relating only to children, young people and families in the geographical area of South East Newport (comprising the wards of Alway, Ringland and Lliswerry) presents the findings of an audit of voluntary sector provision within those limitations.

In order to address the key objectives of the research a combination of surveys, semi-structured interviews and focus groups was conducted between June and October 2013. Questionnaires were administered to two groups: service providers and residents in the pilot area. Three focus groups were conducted with adults, whilst 20 focus groups were conducted with 189 children and young people between the ages of 4 and 15 years from schools across the pilot area. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with adults at Summer Fun Day events.

It was concluded that a substantial level of service provision already exists in the pilot area, but that there are gaps in provision and barriers to access which need to be addressed. Despite this, enthusiasm to participate was high and should be encouraged. There could be merit in exploring the potential of the themes which emerged in an attempt to nurture this interest in engagement. The study confirms the need to increase the range and level of service provision in South East Newport and that children, young people and families would benefit from improvements and enhancements to existing services. 

Autumn 2015 paper from the Principal Youth Officers' Group (PYOG) on the role of youth work in the current policy environment in Wales.

This paper, prepared by a UK-wide alliance of representative youth work bodies, sets out the basis for a fully developed and properly resourced youth policy which the country needs now.

       

 

Youth work career pack produced for the Welsh Assembly Government by the Council for Wales of Voluntary Services (CWVYS) and Promo Cymru. 

The part contains all the photocopiable resources and handouts for the sessions including icebreakers and exercises. The evaluation sheet gives feedback to the tutor and organisation regarding the effectiveness of the session. The follow-up action plan pro forma and age related next steps and options handout included in session 3, all designed to help the facilitator give future support to young people who have expressed an interest in having more information on career options. A certificate of attendance for young people has also been included.

Youth work career pack produced for the Welsh Assembly Government by the Council for Wales of Voluntary Services (CWVYS) and Promo Cymru. 

The Appendices provide summary versions of the Youth Work Curriculum Statement for Wales, and the Youth Work National Occupational Standards, useful contacts and more information on training, pay scales and organisations engaged in training and workforce development. Information on awards for young people and references are also contained in the appendices.

CWVYS &Promo Cymru 2008

This paper seeks specifically to identify the broader Welsh Government (WG) policies and demonstrate where and how youth work does/can make a significant contribution to the achievement of those policies by improving the life chances of young people aged 11-25. It is not the purpose of this paper to identify new areas or scope of operation for youth work, but to highlight the role it currently undertakes, as a specific form of work with young people, in contributing to and complementing WG policy.

The strands that make up Programme for Government consist of the following:

• Growth and Sustainable Jobs
• Public Services
• 21st Century Healthcare
• Education
• Supporting People
• Welsh Homes
• Safer Communities
• Equality
• Tackling Poverty
• Rural Communities
• Environment & Sustainability
• Culture & Heritage of Wales 

This paper seeks to provide a conceptual framework for answering two questions raised by the Welsh Government: what does the Welsh Government get for the funding it provides for the youth service (statutory and voluntary) and to what extent does the use of that funding help to achieve key objectives such as reductions in the number of young people not in education, training or employment. 

This strategy sets the direction for youth work organisations for the next four years and builds on a consultation exercise undertaken in 2013. The strategy recognises the value and role of open-access youth work provision; promotes a stronger connection between youth work provision and formal education; identifies the need for closer working between statutory and voluntary youth work organisations; and identifies the need to significantly strengthen the evidence base on the impact of youth work across Wales. The Welsh Government, national and local voluntary organisations, as well as local authorities, will need to work together to successfully implement the identified actions and drive youth work forward.