We’re delighted to join forces with youth-led organisations across the UK to celebrate the vital role youth workers play in helping young people build life skills, as part of a national campaign running from 3–9 November.
With the theme “Building Brighter Futures: Safe places, trusted support, and opportunities to thrive,” Youth Work Week, led by the National Youth Agency, highlights the life-changing impact of youth work – an important part of what we do at the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP).
Over recent years, SYP has campaigned strongly for better conditions in youth work, calling for consistent funding, inclusive spaces, and stronger frameworks to help councils with this matter. You can read more about our Invest in and protect youth work services campaign here.
At the Executive Takeover in June this year, MSYPs Ella Quinn and Bertie Summers delivered a powerful speech to Scotland’s Permanent Secretary, Joe Griffin, and his team about how youth influence young people’s lives.
Ella, MSYP for Angus South, said:
Youth work provides a place for all young people to understand their rights in an environment that caters to their dreams. It gives young people greater personal freedom and a real sense of control over their own lives.
Bertie, MSYP for Shetland Islands, added:
Through multi-year funding, youth work services can plan ahead, invest in their community, and truly support young people’s journeys.
SYP has continued this work through projects such as Community Learning and Development and the Youth Work and Me report. Our 2026–2031 manifesto, Dear Scotland’s Future, also calls for multi-year funding for the sector, and you can read more about it here.
Looking ahead, MSYPs will speak about youth work at the next Cabinet Takeover, continuing to highlight its vital role in young people’s lives. More information will be shared as we approach the event in the next few weeks.
Join the conversation online using #YouthWorkWeek and #YWW25 to show your support for youth workers and the young people they empower.
