Detached youth work is still not fully understood by all those who work within communities and it can be open to misinterpretation. Simply it is working with young people who chose to congregate in public areas. It is not linked to a specific building so the young people can chose whether or not they engage with the youth workers or whether they are welcome on what is their territory. The youth worker themselves are the resource and so they need to use an approach which the young people feel comfortable with.

Definitions are:

"Detached youth work is making contact with young people who cannot, or choose not to, use youth centres."

"Detached youth workers meet young people in their own spaces, for instance parks, bus shelters, shopping centres or on the street."

"Through developing non-judgemental relationships they work with individuals and groups to help them address the needs they identify and engage with other relevant agencies."

"The NYA Guide to Youth Work and Youth Services"

Key elements to detached youth work:

• Detached youth work happens in the young people's social space, generally on the street, parks and places such as cafes and amusement arcades.
• The young people decide whether the detached worker is invited to work with them. If the young people do not wish the detached worker to be present then it is the detached worker that should leave.
• The detached worker needs to establish ‘street credibility' and trust with the young people for the work to take place.
• Detached youth work can be a long drawn out process as it takes time to identify where groups socialise and for relationships to develop.
• All staff need to be made aware of health and safety procedures and specific guidelines to detached youth work to promote he effective working of a team and help to keep the worker safe.

Some of the projects completed by the Tamworth Detached Team include:- Graffiti Art Projects in Underpasses around the town, Football Competitions & Tournaments & Residential Visits to Outdoor Education Centres.

Currently the Detached Youth Workers are in Belgrave & Stonydelph one night per week> We hope to employ more part-time detached youth workers so that we can be out on more nights and in other areas.The team works closely with local agencies who organise Community Events & Young People led projects and the young people are encouraged to become involved in volunteering opportunities.

Contact : Jules & Marissa , Street Youth Workers
Mobile : 07891569931