Young people across the country who access youth work are being encouraged by BBC 3 Grime Kids’ actor, Tienne Simon, 25, to get creative as part of the Art of Youth Work campaign launched by the National Youth Agency (NYA) on 17 July.
Tienne visited the Gifted Young Generation youth club in Gravesend to kick start the campaign, which will engage young people to create a piece of original music, dance, spoken word or visual art which illustrates how their youth work provision – whether in a youth club, hospital, secure estate or other place – provides a safe and inclusive space where they can discover their talents, celebrate their identity and feel connected within their communities. Youth clubs will unveil their performances and works of art as part of the annual Youth Work Week celebration from 4-11 November.
Youth work takes place in youth clubs and other community settings providing fun activities and support to young people between the ages of 11 and 19, and young adults up to 25 with additional needs. It provides opportunities to socialise, learn new skills, as well as explore their values and learn about healthy relationships.
Young people access youth work on an entirely voluntary basis, and it is because of the relationship of trust between a youth worker and a young person that they are able to gain a sense of security and explore difficult issues or challenges in their life.
A youth club provides the backdrop to the Grime Kids’ storyline, with Tienne’s character, Bishop, learning how to use music technology equipment there enabling him and his ‘crew’ to pursue their aspirations to perform as a grime collective. In a moving scene, Bishop also benefits from the non-judgmental support of his youth worker to get out of a difficult situation after he becomes involved with a criminal.
During the visit to Gifted Young Generation Tienne, who received rave reviews for his compelling one-man performance in Dreaming and Drowning at the Bush Theatre, watched the young people rehearsing ahead of their performances in the annual Riverside Festival in Gravesend. He also took part in fun activities, shared his pre-performance warm up routine and answered questions from the young people about his experiences as an up-and-coming actor.
Tienne Simon said: “It was fantastic to visit Gifted Young Generation and see young people of all backgrounds coming together to perform and have fun. It was obvious that the youth club is like one big family and such an important part of the young people’s lives. Being able to sing and create music really ignited a spark in them; it was great to chat to them and hear their enthusiasm for their youth club.”
Gifted Young Generation protégée and Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Harrison Pettman, 23, has spent many years going to youth clubs, first in Northfleet and later joining the GYG club. He says that the support of Jackie Coupar, youth work manager and Caroline McNally-Johnson, youth support worker, instilled in him the self-belief he needed to go on to perform on BGT, in front of millions of viewers. He now volunteers his time to support the young people at Gifted Young Generation, bringing his lived experience to the role.
Harrison Pettman said: “Youth work works! As a young person with ADHD and autism I didn’t fit in anywhere else. Youth work gave me the sense of belonging and resilience I needed. I now volunteer at Gifted Young Generation to give other young people a place where they can feel safe to be themselves, laugh, cry, and feel accepted just the way they are.”
The NYA recently conducted a survey of young people across the country which revealed that over half (51%) want more youth work that offers fun activities in their local area. Despite a strong desire for more youth work provision in communities, 10% of respondents said there are ‘no options at all’ in their area, whilst 66% said that there are ‘very few’ or ‘some, but not enough’.
The survey also highlighted that where young people are regularly taking part in youth work there is a marked benefit to their mental and physical wellbeing, self-confidence and sense of belonging – factors which are essential for young people to stay well and make a positive contribution to their communities.
Leigh Middleton, OBE, Chief Executive, National Youth Agency, said: “This year, Youth Work Week is focussing on ‘Youth Work for All’ and the Art of Youth Work campaign will help us, collectively, showcase the many wonderful ways that youth work celebrates diversity and the value of youth work to local communities, through whichever creative medium they choose.
“Youth voice is at the heart of everything NYA does and we hope that all those involved in youth work will take advantage of this opportunity to bring to life the array of youth work taking place across the country, and how these opportunities enable young people to stay well and gain the essential life skills needed to flourish as they progress into adulthood.”
