The Importance of Youth Work Provision During the Summer Holidays

By Emily Beever, Senior Development Officer, YouthLink Scotland

The summer holidays are fast approaching – school’s out and (hopefully) lots of sunshine. But for the youth work sector, the work doesn't stop. In fact, holiday programmes become a vital part of their activities, providing crucial support to young people during this extended break.

The summer holidays can present challenges for both young people and their families. Youth work services step in to ensure that young people aren't left behind or forgotten during this time. But what sets youth work apart from other services?

First and foremost, youth work is unique because participation is voluntary. This voluntary nature gives young people a sense of agency and control over their involvement. Unlike statutory services, youth workers form partnerships with young people, creating an equal power dynamic. This approach is non-judgemental and non-stigmatising, making youth work a safe space for young people. The activities are designed to be fun and engaging, progressing at a pace that suits the young people, which helps maintain their interest and build trusting relationships. These aspects enable youth work to play a critical role in diversion, safeguarding, and prevention

Project funded through CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund 2022-23

The range of activities offered in summer programmes is vast: trips, outdoor adventures, cooking and baking, free play, sports, crafts, drama, and more. While these activities are all about fun and fostering peer relationships, they also help maintain young people's skills, motivation, and engagement with learning over the summer break.

Youth work summer programmes are a cornerstone of community support. The benefits extend beyond the young participants to their families as well. Unlike some statutory services, youth work is often perceived more positively. In these cases, youth workers can guide families to additional support services. The relational aspect of youth work can’t be underestimated. Providing stability and reliability with trusted adults during the summer can reduce loneliness, support the development of positive peer relationships, and maximise the abilities of young people to deal with pressures of every day life. The trust built between youth workers and young people encourages them to open up about personal or family challenges.

For young people affected by poverty, youth work services provide essential support in a non-stigmatising way. Initiatives like the Food Insecurity and Learning Loss Pilot, run by YouthLink Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government, have shown that integrating food parcels with cooking lessons can significantly benefit young people. These programmes not only improve learning and skills around food and healthy eating but also support the wider family.

Youth work during the summer holidays is an indispensable service and investment in it is critical. It helps build and maintain trusting relationships, supports young people in a respectful and understanding manner, and serves as a preventative tool, guiding them towards positive choices. As we look forward to the summer break, let's remember the vital role youth work plays in our communities, ensuring that young people have the support they need to thrive.

YouthLink Scotland is the national agency for youth work and the collective voice of the sector.