Youth Work Week 2025: How SELFA is changing young lives

Posted: 3rd November 2025

At SELFA, working with young people is at the heart of everything we do. Every day, we see how much difference a safe space, a trusted adult, and a little encouragement can make. Whether it’s building confidence, learning new skills, or simply having somewhere to belong, youth work changes lives for the better.

This Youth Work Week, we’re proud to join the National Youth Agency in celebrating the theme “Building Brighter Futures: Safe places, trusted support, and opportunities to thrive.” It’s a perfect reflection of what we strive for at SELFA: Creating environments where young people feel secure, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

To mark the week, we caught up with some of our youth workers to explore why their work – and the youth activities at SELFA – mean so much.

Building positive relationships

Tessa Walsh, a children and young people’s worker at SELFA, runs the charity’s Youth Action group – which gives young people the chance to take part in social action projects within their community. She also leads Settle Youth, a safe space where young people can come together and connect with others in their local area.

“Youth work is important within any community as it gives young people a place to be put first,” says Walsh. “Youth work helps provide space for positive relationships to develop either with each other or with responsible adults. This often helps build trust in the young people, positive connections with others also have a positive effect on mental wellbeing.”

One 12-year-old who attends the groups agrees: “I really do love coming and attending SELFA. I am currently learning new skills. People call SELFA a family, well I think it should be called SELFA loyal family.”

Creating safe spaces

For vulnerable young people, youth work can be a lifeline. These safe spaces offer the chance to socialise, learn new skills, and leave behind everyday worries – even a few hours can make a world of difference to their wellbeing.

“I like to interact with new people and to build social skills and self-confidence and make new friends and escape from home life,” says H*, aged 11.

I*, who is 16, says she feels like she belongs when she’s at our youth groups. “It’s like a big family,” she says. “There’s always someone there to support you.”

Making sure young voices are heard

At SELFA, our youth groups aren’t just about participation – they’re about empowerment. Young people help shape what we do and have real input into the projects that matter most to them.

“The groups give young people a voice, which they aren’t able to do in some services,” says Michaela Jacques, another children and young people’s worker at SELFA. “Being able to create their own social action projects allows for creativity, independence and socialisation which can be taken away from some of our young people.”

Opening up opportunities for the future

The impact of youth work often extends far beyond the here and now. Many young people who attend SELFA’s youth groups go on to volunteer, gaining valuable experience and confidence that supports their future goals.

“For many young people the groups and space that youth work provides is an essential part of their lives,” says Walsh. “Youth work can also mean providing signposting and access to different services.”

Making a difference in their communities

“For me, youth work is all about creating opportunities for young people to feel heard, valued, and supported,” says Sally Marchant-Derrick, who recently joined SELFA as the programme manager for Youth Voice & SEND.

“At SELFA, young people can share their ideas, shape projects, and take part in social action that makes a real difference in their communities,” she adds. “It provides a safe space to explore new experiences, build confidence, and develop positive relationships with others and with trusted adults.”

This Youth Work Week, we’re proud to celebrate our youth workers, the young people they support, and the life-changing impact of youth work across our community. Together, we’re building brighter futures — one young person at a time.