Snapshot- Presentation to Irish Association of Social Care Workers Annual Conference 2008 February 22 nd

Strategic Aims Programme and Activity Development – establishing a broad range of opportunities which meet the needs of young people in the target age range of 12 – 21 years within a defined catchment area of Waterford City Youth Participation – involving young people in the running of the Manor St John Youth Service programmes and giving them a voice on issues that impact on their lives Planning and Delivery – having a clear vision of what the Manor St John Youth Service is hoping to achieve, with achievable targets, aims and objectives supported by a clear structure which is efficient and effective Partnership Development – continuing to develop and consolidate its work with key agencies including the Parishes, Voluntary Organisations, Schools and other State departments for the benefit of young people. Quality Assurance – establishing an ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure quality standards are achieved across the Manor St John youth service

Youth Work Act 2001 Is defined as “A planned programme of education designed for the purpose of aiding and enhancing the personal and social development of young persons through their voluntary involvement, and which is – (a) Complementary to their formal, academic or vocational education and training; and (b) Provided primarily by voluntary youth work organisations”

Key words in the Acts definition voluntary involvement Complementary to their formal voluntary youth work organisations The distinction between Social Care and Youthwork ? The act makes it clear the practice not so!

Implications for MSJ from Youth work Act 2001 Provide a broad range of personal and social development programmes (10 – 21) – transition, summer camps, after school clubs etc full range of programmes junior leader training, volunteering, governance A generic service, provide opportunities and services for all young people to access if they so wish.Development some targeted youth work with specific groups of young people which includes – Young members of the travelling community Young gay, lesbian, bi and transgender groups Young people from new communities and ethnic minorities Young people with disabilities Manor St John attempts engage these young people in mainstream programmes without the need for segregated activity. In 2007 MSJ provided youth work opportunities to over 300 young people

Needs of Young People Physical health,Emotional health& Sexual health Healthy lifestyles&Healthy choices Challenging behaviour Anti-bullying& Anti-discrimination Victims of crime Taking responsibility Informal education Personal development Decision-making New opportunities Re-engaging in school Citizenship& Volunteering Environment Community Fundraising Employment& Training Developing new skills Team building

Programme Area 1 Youth learning and Development Programme: Arts IT& Education Support DJ skills, Poetry and music, Song writing Health advice,Drugs awareness Newsletter production Visual Arts,Textile Work Digital Arts,Film Making Practice space,Recording,Performing Live Web design& Internet safety& FETAC IT programmes Youth and Community Technology centre After school support & Home work clubs Experience through travel Programme Area 2 Youth Programme and Activity Non competitive Sport Football Rugby volley ball, Golf Water sports, Fishing Canoeing Orienteering Camping Navigation Climbing, Survival skills Camp craft Expeditions Conservation Nature study Horse Riding Track,Table Tennis, Snooker Weights Keep Fit, Dance Different cultures,Museums Archaeology,Local myths and Legends Eco Aware,Recycling,Local and Global issues Bands programme, group, Youth Golf society, Comedy Club

Programme Area 3 Youth Participation and Advocacy Programme Youth Space Development Youth advocacy service Volunteer /Junior leader Training Counselling/ Listening service, Club and group support Peer learning programmes: Youth citizenship and ‘social innovators’ programmes Participation in Youth forum Comhairle and Dail na Nog support Youth diversity programmes: creating an inclusive society. Drug & Alcohol, Sexual Health and Relationships education Programme Area 4 Community Support Programme Youth Service and Community Support (FAS CE scheme) Admin/ Youth activity support Caretaking/ Maintenance security Finance secretarial& Administration Assistant youth workers Person Learning Plans (PLP) for all participants

The Main Challenges Engaging young people (including those from non disadvantaged areas in community) Whole family approaches Active citizenship Drugs and alcohol issues Health lifestyle ( eating,sexual health etc Involvement in and participation in decision making Supporting education and employment Inclusion of young people from new communities Working in partnership with organisations Sufficient Resources from state (multi- annual funding and joined up thinking)

Summary Manor St John at an exciting stage of development ( Strategic Plan Real opportunity to model good practice( small service) Real opportunity to engage young people as partners in services Introduction of formal quality agenda to youth service provision Opportunity to develop volunteer support/ real community involvement and ownership Opportunity for service providers to work together in partnership

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