I was very sad to hear about the death of Sue Atkins, who was a lifelong advocate for young people and the youth work sector. On behalf of the National Youth Agency trustees and staff, I would like to offer our heartfelt condolences and thoughts to her family, and to the many colleagues who worked with her over the years.
Sue was a member of the NYA’s Education and Training Standards (ETS) committee since April 2009, bringing her forthright and young person-centred views to the business of setting the standards of Youth Work qualifications for England. She was never afraid to challenge and question, in order to achieve the best for youth workers in training, and she did this rigorously until her resignation in April 2014.
Throughout her life and career Sue lived and breathed youth work. She believed unequivocally in the power of youth work to empower young people to discover their talents and fulfil their potential.
Following work in youth theatre, Sue went on to pursue a qualification at the then National College for Youth Leaders which led her into a role as a detached worker in Sheffield; after twenty years at the coalface, she moved into training, bringing her many years of experience and wisdom to the next generation of youth workers.
I have known Sue for several decades: first as a youth worker in Sheffield, then as a union colleague (she reached the dizzy heights of president of the Community and Youth workers’ Union), and later in her role as Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Youth Work Unit. She was passionately committed to the Youth Association South Yorkshire, and remained involved until her death, training young workers, engaging with the sector and developing new ideas.
Above all, Sue was passionate about youth participation and equality and diversity, and her legacy lies in the multitude of youth workers who were inspired to pursue a career in our great profession, enabling young people to have a voice and shape their own destinies.
Whilst I did not see Sue regularly over the years, our paths crossed on occasion. In November, she attended the annual conference of the Youth Work Unit, Yorkshire and the Humber, where she spoke passionately about current issues. Participants described her as inspirational: as usual she provided food for thought and stirred our determination to do the best for young people.
A few weeks ago, I received a message from her, telling me that she was staying in Manchester, a mere two miles from my house, and asking me to visit, which I did. She was celebrating a family event that weekend but sat me down and soon got into her stride about current issues, training and what needs to be done for young people. We had a few reminiscences, of course, about people and events, as you do. I am very glad I made it that day, it’s one I shall treasure.
Sue will be greatly missed by all her colleagues and friends within the sector. She touched many lives and was a true champion of youth work across half a century. A life to be celebrated, indeed.
– Carol Stone, Chair, National Youth Agency
