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The Impact of Youth Work on Health and Wellbeing

Healthy bodies, healthy minds. Explore how youth work initiatives are building healthier, happier communities across Scotland.

Impact

Youth work is essential in promoting the health and wellbeing of young people, offering a range of initiatives and activities designed to support their physical, mental, and emotional health. Through youth work, young people gain access to vital resources and support networks that help them lead healthier, more balanced lives.

Youth work takes a holistic, person-centred approach to health, addressing various aspects of wellbeing including mental health support, physical activity, and emotional resilience. A national evaluation revealed that 86% of young people participating in youth work reported improved health and wellbeing. One young person shared: “Being involved in youth work has helped me feel more positive about myself and my future.”

Insights & Opinions

Find out what people in the youth work sector and beyond have to say about the impact of youth work on health and wellbeing.

Finding the Balance
This blog from an #IWill Ambassador takes a look at navigating trauma, unrest and division, especially in the context of social media.
Youth work must be recognised as a key partner in building a better connected Scotland
Youth work is already playing a key role in helping young people feel a sense of safety and belonging in our communities. Kevin Kane is calling for it to become a central part of our policymaking on loneliness and isolation.

People & Projects

View some of the key projects, case studies, people and organisations that are exploring the impacts of youth work on health and wellbeing.

The Impact of Youth Work: Providing low-level mental health support in schools
Download our full report to find impact stories, qualitative evaluation and testimonies from school leadership about the impact of youth work on mental health in Dumfries and Galloway.
The Impact of Community Based Universal Youth Work in Dumfries and Galloway
Read our report packed with qualitative analysis and impact stories of young people whose lives have been changed by the power of youth work.
Impact of LGBT Youth Scotland's Digital Youth Work
Find out how digital youth work provided at times life-saving services for young people whose mental health and wellbeing was impacted by Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions.

Publications

Please see below a selection of recent publications from YouthLink Scotland, the wider youth work sector and beyond about the impact of youth work on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. If you have any resources or publications you think could be included on in our impact hub, please get in touch!

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