Celebrating Youth Work
In our last column we talked about National Youth Work Week. This week, Yak Patel, CEO of Lancaster District CVS and Chair of the Lancaster District Young People’s Foundation (LDYPF), reflects on a transformative summer spent with families, children, and young people on the Ryelands Estate.
In an area where the local youth club closed years ago, the 2024 summer program became an opportunity to rebuild trust, create lasting relationships, and listen to the voices of children and young people from one of Lancaster’s most underserved neighbourhoods.
Youth work is about empowering young people in safe, trusted spaces. This summer we saw that it’s also about fostering resilience and uniting the community. From day one, the community’s enthusiasm was extraordinary: parents joined their children in activities, sharing experiences, and building bonds that strengthened with every event. The program engaged over 60 children and young people, and demand for offsite trips was so high that we could have filled additional coaches!
What stood out was the engagement of children facing significant challenges. They embraced every activity with humility, kindness, and gratitude, becoming role models, and their excitement and enthusiasm turned each event into more than just a day of activities; it was a place to grow, connect, and inspire.
The positive impact extended beyond the participants. Feedback from community members and local police was overwhelmingly positive. Reports of anti-social behaviour and crime dropped by more than half, with few incidents involving young people from the area. These outcomes highlight the importance of safe activities and positive role models, proving that young people, when given opportunities, can make empowered choices and help shape safer, more connected communities.
We gained insights to shape future programs. We hope to involve partners earlier in the planning stage, allowing them to share program details with families who would benefit most. LDYPF will be at the heart of these efforts, uniting schools, businesses, councils, health providers, and non-profits to provide young people with quality services, support, and safe spaces.
As a vital force for change LDYPF is dedicated to amplifying young voices, promoting youth development, and fostering community collaboration across Lancaster District, and ensures every young person has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive, strengthening not just individuals but the entire community. This summer program was a reminder of what’s possible when we come together—and it’s only the beginning.
