Youth work and the impact it has on society from a service provider's point of view

Authors

Smith, Niamh

Issue Date

2013

Degree

BA (Hons) in Social Science

Publisher

Dublin Business School

Rights

Items in Esource are protected by copyright. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/copyright holder.

Abstract

This project sought to gain an insight into the area of youth work and establish the impact it has on society from a service provider‟s point of view. Data was collected using a method of semi structured interviews. The main aim of this report was to gain an insight into the youth work world and understand the value of youth work, the perceptions of young people, recognition of youth work and the impact it has on the society. This report finds that youth work has a substantial impact in the lives of young people and also the wider community. The report found that as a direct result of participation in a youth club or youth organisation young people gain valuable skills, build in confidence and become active agents in their own lives. It was also found that youth clubs and organisations struggle for recognition for the work they do and this view was mainly directed towards the Government and the lack of funds and support they receive. The Government needs to step up and begin to recognise the positive work these youth organisations are doing in the lives of young people and the local community. Author keywords: Youth work