As Youth Work Week 2025 draws to a close, Sandwell Council is celebrating the dedication and impact of youth workers who support young people across the borough every day.
This year’s theme – Building Brighter Futures: Safe places, trusted support, and opportunities to thrive – has shone a spotlight on the life-changing role youth work plays in helping young people feel safe, supported and empowered.
Throughout the week, Sandwell Youth Service has been showcasing the breadth of its work with young people aged 11 to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs or care experience. From youth centres and clubs to mobile Youth Bus sessions and detached youth work, the service provides safe spaces and trusted adults who help young people develop personally and socially.
Activities during the week have included:
- A collaborative workshop with voluntary and community sector partners to explore how Sandwell’s youth offer can be strengthened and mapped.
- The launch of a new volunteering programme for 15 to 18-year-olds.
- The annual staff conference, where youth workers reflected on the year’s achievements and heard from the National Youth Agency, which praised Sandwell Council for retaining open access youth provision. The event also heard from Change Makers about the My Tomorrow Change Makers programme, supported by the Positive Youth Foundation and Violence Reduction Partnership training for youth workers, which will be rolled out across the service.
One of the highlights of the week was hearing from Brandon, a young person who has benefited from youth work in Sandwell. Brandon shared his journey at the staff conference.
He said: “I was lucky to have the support of youth workers at Coneygre Arts Centre, who helped me build my confidence and skills, develop my passion for music and support other young people.
“They helped me access many opportunities, including work experience in the service, and introduced me to employment and skills support, which led to me gaining an apprenticeship with Sandwell Council.
“I believe youth work is vital to helping young people succeed, as it creates safe spaces for them to explore their identities and get trusted support from an adult who doesn’t judge them.”
Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Councillor Jalal Uddin, said: “As we wrap up Youth Work Week, I want to thank our youth workers for the incredible work they do all year round. They provide safe spaces, a listening ear and opportunities that help our young people grow and thrive.
“Youth work is a key part of our commitment to Child Friendly Sandwell, ensuring that every young person feels supported, valued and able to reach their full potential.”
Leigh Middleton OBE, Chief Executive of the National Youth Agency, added: “Youth Work Week is a powerful opportunity to celebrate the dedication, passion and expertise of youth workers who make a lasting difference in young people’s lives – often quietly and without fanfare. It’s also a moment to recognise youth work as a vital investment not only in individual futures, but in the strength, wellbeing and resilience of our communities.”