Youth Work Week is a powerful national campaign that runs from 3 to 9 November.
Led by the National Youth Agency (NYA) it celebrates the life-changing impact of youth work across the UK.
This year’s theme is ‘Building Brighter Futures: Safe places, trusted support, and opportunities to thrive’.
YPS work with young people aged 8 to 18 years (and up to 25 with SEND) across Blackburn with Darwen providing targeted youth support, a SEND inclusion project, youth voice and participation projects – as well as commissioning a range of universal services via a range of local youth organisations.
Locally through the support of Youth Investment Fund, Young People’s Services, Youth Zone, Youth Action, Newground Together, and IMO Charity; young people are gaining access to safe places, trusted support, and great opportunities to thrive.
Councillor Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education said:
“Blackburn with Darwen has risen to the challenge of sourcing funding to improve both the number and quality of spaces available for children & young people. YIF investment across the borough has totalled approximately £10 million, which will rebuild, renovate and resource youth centres across our borough.
“Alongside our skilled local youth workforce, we are looking to give our children and young people the best possible start in life.
“’This sends a strong message to our young people that, ‘You belong, you matter and you can!’
I am excited to see the new youth centre open in Darwen to build in the existing offer of safe spaces and strong futures based on strong voices across the borough from the council and our partners in the towns.”
Throughout the week, Young People’s Services will be promoting videos of young people across the borough to highlight the positive impact of youth work on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Zainab Shah Youth MP said:
“Youth work helps to build confidence, bring communities together, and opens doors to brighter futures. Youth work is fundamental overall, empowering every young person to reach their full potential. Together, as a borough, we’re ensuring youth work continues to make a lasting difference where it matters most.”
National Youth Agency Chief Executive Leigh Middleton OBE said:
“Youth Work Week is a powerful opportunity to celebrate the dedication, passion and expertise of youth workers who make a lasting difference in young people’s lives often quietly and without fanfare. It’s also a moment to recognise youth work as a vital investment not only in individual futures, but in the strength, wellbeing and resilience of our communities.”
Join the conversation online using #YouthWorkWeek and #YWW25 to show your support for youth workers and the young people they empower.
Learn more about Youth Work Week and how youth work is making a difference across the country.
For enquiries, please contact: Elizabeth Clarkson: elizabeth.clarkson@blackburn.gov.uk