Community Development: Learning the Principles of Youth Work

Do you care about your community?  
 
We are living in a society where there are so many distractions, meaning that it can be easy to become led down the wrong path, particularly among the younger generation. But what is specifically defined as “youth”? We can broadly identify it as the developmental phase between childhood and adulthood, with the general duty of youth work being to help their personal and social development by supporting them in achieving their full potential through non-formal educational activities. Essentially, there is so much peer pressure on young people in schools and neighbourhoods, causing them to make damaging life choices to appear ‘cool’. We are finding ourselves in a battle against society to keep people on the straight and narrow, and ultimately make more of a positive societal change.  

Sound like a challenge you can see yourself getting stuck into. In this case, a community development and youth degree could be a great career choice.  
 
Let’s talk about some principles of youth work and general challenges that the younger generation is currently facing in society.   

Living in a Violent Community 
 
Not everyone is lucky enough to live in a loving home or a town or village with a low crime rate, and the reality is that crime and violence can have both a mental and physical impact on the development of the younger generation. Community violence refers to a deliberate act of interpersonal violence, whether this is a chase, a physical attack, or a verbal threat either made to yourself or as a witness. Something like this can incur serious mental health issues, causing anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). No one should feel frightened to leave their own home. Even if people aren’t affected mentally, many parents would fear the possibility of their children being involved. Whether this be falling victim to an attack or being peer-pressured to join in. This is where new graduates and experienced professionals taking on community development and youth work jobs can be beneficial because even setting up a community centre or a one-off community football match, gives people something positive to look forward to and enjoy. A community development and youth degree can open the door to one of the most rewarding careers. 
 
Youth Work is Youth-Led 
 
Aiming to create a positive impact on society is one step in the right direction, but for it to be successful, it’s imperative to recognise that you can’t force people to participate; helping to build trust which encourages further engagement in activities. You need to ensure that young people’s voices are being heard by allowing them the choice to attend events on a voluntary basis.  
 
This is something that we can help you with by undertaking a community development and youth degree at Bolton. During your studies, you will take on a placement in one of the following environments, giving you the industry-related skills to excel in a fulfilling career: 

- Alternative education projects 
- Community projects 
- Detached, outreach and mentoring projects 
- Health, leisure, and youth training schemes 
- Resettlement projects  
- Schools  
- Women’s refuges 
- Youth and community games 

Creating an Inclusive Culture  
 
Today, we are living in a multicultural society, with approximately 9.6 million non-UK citizens living in the UK in 2021. We need to ensure that local communities offer something for everyone as they transition from childhood to adulthood; essentially the local youth of a neighbourhood should help improve the social mobility of young people of all backgrounds. At Bolton University, this is where our inclusive, and supportive learning environment comes in. We are proud to offer a small, friendly campus that sees each of our students as individuals and puts them and their needs first; and this is why we have been voted 1st for Student Satisfaction for the past five years*. As a community development and youth degree student, you will gain the transferrable skills you need just by studying at our socially inclusive university to take into the industry once you graduate.  
 
Respect One Another  
 
It’s important to understand that young people are a valued part of a community, after all, they are the future contributors to the UK economy. Therefore, it’s vital that all community activities put on by community development and youth work job staff are inclusive for everyone in a way that everyone can participate freely without fear of being judged.  
 
Study a Community Development and Youth Degree at Bolton 
 
Looking for a community development and youth job? Or perhaps fancy a career as a family support worker or hospital youth worker? The reality is that there are several paths you can take with a community development and youth degree and the job of our experienced and passionate lectures is to help you succeed in your career.  
 
So, why is Bolton a better option to make your career dreams a reality? 
 
Firstly, our childhood and youth courses have been voted first for Student Satisfaction**, meaning that by studying here, you will enjoy #UniAsItShouldBe. Additionally, some of our courses have been accredited by the National Youth Agency (NYA), Education Standards Board for Community Development Learning (ESB), and professionally recognised by the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) for community development and youth work job staff. We will provide the solid foundation you need to improve both your personal and professional development and future career prospects.  

After two years of Covid-19 restrictions, 35% of people aged 16-25 said that they have never felt more alone, so, there’s never been a better time than now to get qualified with a community development and youth work degree. 
 
Think Bolton could be the right place to start your career journey? Have a look at our course options and find out which is best for you.  
 
BA (Hons) Community Development and Youth Work (endorsed route) 
BA (Hons) Community Development and Youth Work with Foundation Year (endorsed route) 

Clearing 2022 is Open! 
 
Clearing is open until 19 September so there’s still more than enough time to decide whether joining the Bolton family is the right move for you.  
 
Applying through Clearing gives you the perfect opportunity to secure your place with us and benefit from our award-winning Student Services Team, excellent facilities, and strong industry links. Does this sound like the type of place you want to call your home? Head to our Clearing page and find out how to apply! 
 
If you need further help, call our team on 01204 903030.  
 
#UniAsItShouldBe is about supporting you! 
 
At Bolton University, we never want you to feel alone, and we understand that a big part of making your university decision is seeing the campus for yourself and finding out if you could imagine yourself enjoying the experience. That’s why we have our on-campus Study Advice Sessions, giving you access to our team representatives, offering you advice on careers, courses, student finance, student services, and disability services.  
 
Booking a session is essential to secure your place, so to book, please click here.  
 
- Friday 19 August – 11am to 4pm  
- Saturday 20 August – 11am to 4pm  
- Thursday 1 September – 11am to 4pm  
 
 
*Complete University Guide – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 – Northwest  
 
** Complete University Guide – 2022 – UK