How we have kept youth work going during the COVID-19 pandemic

Spotlight, Poplar Harca’s youth service, operates from eight locations (covering 10 wards) working in partnership with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, and has engaged with more than 10,000 young people since opening in 2014.

When the first national lockdown in March was announced, the physical locations all had to close, changing the way we provided many of our services. Sessions with youth workers took place over the phone and a new online programme was created.

However, through the pre-existing relationships we had built from detached youth work and the relationships we continued to build by remaining in the community on the frontline, we were able to work and interact with young people throughout the pandemic. We prioritised carrying out more detached youth work sessions, growing from a team of eight to a team of 20.

Throughout this third national lockdown, we are providing more than 40 hours of detached and outreach youth work per week, which is proving to be a critical service for young people. The detached element of our work has enabled us to get a true insight into how young people’s lives have changed during the pandemic, ensuring we are providing the types and level of support they need.

“Going to young people is a significant way to form relationships with hard to reach and disengaged young people, making it accessible for those who are unlikely or unable to attend building-based provision”

An example of the success of detached youth work took place during the summer holidays last year, at the height of the pandemic. Our youth workers were able to gather information that involved young people from the Isle of Dogs getting caught up in altercations and violent crimes, including a stabbing in Crossharbour.

After discussing these issues with our directors, we extended our Spotlight youth service beyond Poplar and Bow to the Isle of Dogs area. We partnered with The Utilize Project which believed in our detached youth work methodology and gave us a building to operate from, located in the heart of the island on Pepper Street, E14.

Through meaningful discussions with young people, parents and key partners, it became apparent that there was a considerable need for a service that tackles youth violence, anti-social behaviour, drugs and youth unemployment in this area.

Within just a month our presence was strongly felt by residents, which resulted in Metropolitan Thames Valley reaching out to find out more.

“Detached youth work requires a step away from the idea that youth work only takes place in youth centres. It requires a certain ‘quality’ that enables professionals to go into any setting, build a solid relationship with a young person and create a positive path for them”

Straightaway there was a strong bond between the two housing providers, as we had something in common: a desire to create opportunities for young people and provide access to a youth provision to cater to their needs. Our presence has been well received in the community, and we are focusing on working together to support young people and their families during these unprecedented circumstances.

Detached youth work requires a step away from the idea that youth work only takes place in youth centres. It requires a certain ‘quality’ that enables professionals to go into any setting, build a solid relationship with a young person and create a positive path for them. My personal experience of growing up in the community which I serve has helped me to achieve that.

Through a unique methodology of detached youth work, we have implemented specialist youth professionals that are committed to changing the lives of young people and building strong partnerships with local organisations and housing providers. Going to young people gives a greater insight into what’s really going on in the community and as a result organisations can provide appropriate support.

The pandemic has highlighted the instrumental role that detached youth work plays in supporting not only young people but entire communities. When young people can’t come to us, we must ensure that we go to them. Adapting our understanding of youth work and applying these methods across the housing sector will provide valuable benefits for communities across the country.

Nahim Ahmed, Spotlight youth and community engagement manager, Poplar Harca