WHO WE ARE

We are a collective of over 50 youth organisations in devon

 

Youth Work in Devon was formed to bring the youth work sector together in Devon to take collective action, generate solutions and provide better outcomes for young people. Some of the drivers include:

  • the need to provide more connected support to those that work (paid and unpaid) the 50+ local youth work settings, the majority of whom were working in isolation;

  • to resist a sense of ‘competition over collaboration’ with regards to youth work delivery, especially in relation to procurement and helping commissioners and funders understand value (and cost) of quality youth work; 

  • to develop our collective knowledge of the workforce and the potential skills and resources that currently exist within Devon that could be harnessed; 

  • to address the increase in turnover of volunteers in the sector as we experience higher expectations on smaller organisations to manage risk and deliver ‘targeted’ youth services.

We believe Young people, youth work services and communities should experience:

  • A greater coherence, and collective voice, in regard to youth provision and its value;

  • Better access to support & training for all in the sector; 

  • Improved common approaches to showing impact via an agreed quality framework

  • Collective bargaining, both locally and nationally for increased resources.

how to Join us and share the benefits of collaboration

 

If you work, volunteer or help to run a youth organisation, as a trustee, organiser or worker, then why not join us? Its free, easy and brings access to:

  • Sign up for the Youth Work in Devon newsletter

  • Get involved in your local network

  • Share your stories and training opportunities with us

  • Follow us on social media