About Community and Youth Work

Community and youth work involves helping young and disadvantaged people reach their potential in their personal and social development.

This could include offering advice and guidance, helping individuals learn about themselves, supporting them through difficult situations and help in developing skills and attitudes.

Youth workers typically work with young people aged between 11 and 25, they may act as a mentor or counselor and will plan, organise and oversee community activities which are designed to facilitate personal, social and emotional development helping young people to believe in themselves and prepare for their futures.

Community workers help individuals, families and whole communities to improve the quality of their lives by changing situations and tackling problems that they may face. They often work closely with teachers, social workers, police, local authorities, probation officers and other agencies.

East Anglia boast a number of youth and community projects offering help and support as well as exciting opportunities and fun activities.

Organisations such as Porch Project aim to support young people’s: physical, mental, social, spiritual and educational well-being with regular meetings and social events. There are also organisations that seek to help those who are struggling; be that with employment, financial matters or day to day living issues. Realise Futures is one such organisation looking to help those who are long-term unemployed, disabled, disadvantaged, Army veterans, ex-offenders, parents and carers and those who - for whatever reason - just haven’t had their fair share of breaks in life.

Careers in community and youth work can be both rewarding and eye-opening, you could help to make a real difference in a persons life. A great way to find out if this is the career for you is to offer your time as a volunteer.

Follow the various links for further information on the different career options and job roles in this sector.