Youth Work

In addition to the youth work that goes on through the work of the Bus and the Coliseum, traditional youth work and residential work also continues. The provision of the new building we have leased called ‘The Annexe’ has provided us, for the first time in our history, with a permanent and dedicated space for youth activities.

This will enable us to develop more projects than previously possible and, together with the adjacent Multi-User Games Area (MUGA), provide an all-round programme for young people in the west of Carlisle. It is intended to utilise the space to the maximum and to look to partner with other organisations to share in delivering youth work to a wider audience.

Detached youth work continues to be an integral part of the work of the Youth team. This work involves contacting young people who are not accessing any of the provision available. This work is done on the streets or wherever the young people choose to meet, and is essential in the overall youth strategy that aims to provide an effective, flexible and quality service which meets the needs of young people.

Detached work is the first step in any youth work programme we deliver for it is here, in the initial engagement process, that relationships begin and trust can be established. While this is a difficult aspect of the work and can make the team feel vulnerable, nevertheless it is seen by them as an essential part of the work.