New study reveals the importance of youth work in Edinburgh

A new Edinburgh study has revealed that youth work makes a significant impact on young people’s skills, confidence, wellbeing and access to opportunities.

YouthLink Scotland hearing the points of view of young people for research

It collected stories from 96 young people from nine voluntary youth work organisations in the capital.

A research partnership between YouthLink Scotland, Edinburgh University, Northern Star and Lothian Association of Youth Clubs undertook the study.

Dr Amy Calder, YouthLink Scotland, said: “Youth work has an important role in increasing young people’s skills and confidence, by providing opportunities and, building and maintaining positive, respectful relationships.”

Almost three-quarters of the young people taking part in the research said that youth work had given them skills for life, while 80 percent benefited from improved confidence.

One participant, 17, said: “When I started here, I was at CAMHS every day for my anxiety and depression. I didn’t really have any friends or anything that I enjoyed doing. I was very suicidal but coming here has made me decide to keep going when I’m at my lowest… I know I wouldn’t have the strength I do today if I had never started coming along.”

Dr Ian Fyfe of Edinburgh University, added: “A consistent picture has emerged from this data, and our other two Scottish studies, confirming the key role youth work plays in building young people’s confidence and supporting them to develop essential life skills. The consistent findings of the research also point to the importance of youth work as an informal educational practice setting that offers a safe place for young people to meet and reflect on issues important in their lives.”

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