many paths, one purpose: supporting young people at actes trust

Youth work is about helping young people build confidence, overcome challenges and realise their potential. It can happen in many different settings and take many different forms, but at its heart it is about creating opportunities and supporting young people to achieve their goals. Every day, youth workers help young people develop new skills, have their voices heard and take positive steps towards their futures.

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At Actes Trust, that support often happens through employability programmes, careers guidance and youth engagement activities, helping young people develop the skills and confidence they need to move forward.​ 

 

Just as youth work can take many forms, the people who choose careers in the sector come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

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Jade, now a Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Officer, began her journey with Actes Trust as a volunteer before progressing into employability support roles. Bethany, Middlesbrough Youth Mutual (MYM) Communications and Engagement Support Officer, first joined the organisation as an intern before progressing into her role. Stella, a Careers IAG Officer, brought experience from a long career with the DWP, while Johnny, now Programme and Development Team Leader, first entered the sector as a volunteer supporting people with CV writing and employability support. While their journeys have all been different, they are connected by a common motivation: helping young people build confidence, overcome challenges and realise their potential.

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For Johnny, that motivation comes from personal experience. "I felt like I was starting to lose who I was because being in work had given me a lot of purpose and structure. That lived experience motivated me to want to help others who perhaps didn't know where to turn to in similar situations." 

 

While youth work is often associated with activities and programmes, some of the most rewarding moments come from seeing young people grow in confidence and take positive steps forward.​ For Stella, it's hearing a young person say, "I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for your help."

 

Bethany and Jade similarly highlight the satisfaction of seeing young people recognise their strengths, gain confidence and move closer to their goals.​ As Youth Work Week celebrates the people making a difference in communities across the country, the experiences of our staff serve as a reminder that youth work is as varied as it is rewarding.​ Whether someone enters the profession through volunteering, an internship, a career change or lived experience, youth work offers countless opportunities to support young people.​ 

 

Equally, whether that support happens through careers guidance, employability programmes, youth voice activities or a youth club, the goal remains the same: helping young people overcome barriers, realise their potential and build positive futures.

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Because youth work isn't defined by where it happens. It's defined by the difference it makes.