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Collectively working towards an environment where 'outdoor learning youth work practice' becomes fully recognised
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Outdoor Learning & Youth Work
Outdoor Learning and Youth Work play a vital role in supporting the holistic development of young people. By providing a cross-sector convening space, the Outdoor Learning Youth Work Sector Specialist Group (OLYWSSG) will act as a forum for organisations and individuals at a strategic level to identify areas for collaboration and at both a strategic and practitioner level share and build on existing good practice.
Outdoor Learning Youth Work Sector Specialist Group (OLYWSSG) members will be encouraged to openly discuss common practices and challenges, to champion the development of recognised approach(es) that use outdoor learning and youth work practices. Through subsequent partnerships and collaborations, we will be able to build a better picture of what is happening from a cross-sector audience that ultimately will deliver better outcomes for young people and help improve equitable access.
Membership can be outdoor learning or youth work practitioners, decision makers or representatives from stakeholders’ organisations/sectors, for example education or health who have a common purpose; To collectively work towards an environment where 'outdoor learning youth work practice' becomes fully recognised and is utilised as a valuable part of the ecosystem that develops young people’, to promote equitable access to outdoor learning experiences that support young people with their personal, social, and educational development and helps to improve wellbeing.
Free to IOL members and Concessionary Rate for Youth Worker/Other Sector professionals.
National Youth Agency's third annual National Youth Sector Census report
The NYA are pleased to share the link to the National Youth Agency's third annual National Youth Sector Census report published today, as well as the press release.
The report highlights that the voluntary and community sector (VCS) continues to fill the gap of increasing need. Over two thirds of organisations stated that meeting this need is their second biggest challenge, with the first being an increase in operating costs. In particular, the demand for mental health support has increased more than any other targeted service, with demand increasing amongst 82% of organisations.
A few other highlights include:
The report highlights that the voluntary and community sector (VCS) continues to fill the gap of increasing need. Over two thirds of organisations stated that meeting this need is their second biggest challenge, with the first being an increase in operating costs. In particular, the demand for mental health support has increased more than any other targeted service, with demand increasing amongst 82% of organisations.
A few other highlights include:
- Around two-thirds of organisations report an increase in demand for support responding to violence and crime.
- Around two-thirds (64%) report an increased demand in services addressing employment, training and skills for work.
- Twice as many youth sector organisations operate in the most deprived areas, with demand greatest in areas of high deprivation.
- Almost two-thirds (62%) offer activities for educationally or economically disadvantaged young people – up 9% from last year.
