Benefits of the Youth Service:

A study of the experiences of 14-18 year old members of registered youth groups in Northern Ireland

This major research project was funded by the Department of Education NI, and benefited from the assistance of a Steering Group of youth service representatives.

The research draws on data from over 1100 members of youth groups throughout Northern Ireland, and is structured into parallel studies of the full time, part time, and uniformed youth service provision. A combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques was used to assess the extent to which the objectives of the youth service are being met and are benefiting members. The study therefore pays particular attention to the areas of community relations, social education, community service, and participatory approaches to youth work. Among the key findings were:

• The majority of respondents had been involved in some form of community relations project in their youth group. The impact of this involvement varied according to frequency, duration and level of work, and it was found that in some cases single identity work (work carried out within the single community to raise awareness of community relations issues and reduce prejudice) appeared to have greater impact on participants than involvement in some forms of contact work (work which facilitates contact and meeting between Catholic and Protestant communities to promote cross cultural learning and understanding). Those members who were involved in long term community relations schemes which incorporated a range of issue based approaches, were significantly more likely to have inter-religious friendships and less likely to engage in sectarian bullying.

• Youth groups were identified as important points of information on social and personal issues, as an arena to become involved in discussion on matters such as drugs, alcohol, sexual health, and the youth workers were generally perceived as influential in helping young people to make choices about their lifestyles. It was found that youth workers based in areas of high social disadvantage were perceived as considerably more influential and accessible than school teachers in terms of these personal and social education issues.

• Over three quarters of all respondents felt that young people ought to be involved in decisions which affect them, signalling Participation as a welcome and appropriate approach to youth work. Those young people who were involved in a wide range of decision making processes within the youth group were more likely to feel their opinions were valued, and to feel confident to share opinions with adults. They were also more likely to become involved in a wider range of the groups’ activities.

Benefits of the Youth Service joins a small number of Northern Ireland-wide studies of youth work, and as such the publication offers a significant contribution to those involved in the youth service.

The full report is now out of print. However a 6 page summary is available.

Contact : charvey@youthcouncil-ni.org.uk