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The recent violence across the UK has had a profound impact on young people, communities and the youth workers supporting them.
I want to express our total solidarity with our Muslim, migrant and law enforcement community members, writes Ndidi Okezie OBE, UK Youth chief executive officer. We stand firmly against any form of discrimination, violence or hatred.
As an organisation supporting youth workers and allied professionals, we are keenly aware of the challenging situations many of them are facing on the streets right now. They are working tirelessly to engage and support young people, tackle misinformation and build bridges in communities.
It is truly heartbreaking that the current disturbances in many towns and cities are diverting attention away from the unimaginable pain the Southport community is grappling with. It is crucial we do not lose sight of the support they need during this traumatic time.
We can see that real fears and frustrations are being weaponised by those who only seek to divide and sow hatred. Vulnerable young people are falling prey to these narratives and getting caught up in destructive actions.
Youth workers are playing a vital role in helping young people recognise misinformation, reject extremism and engage different communities in positive dialogue. This essential work requires strong support from government and the rest of the charity sector.
UK Youth is working in partnership with the National Youth Agency and Network of Regional Youth Work Units in a collective response. We are providing guidance for youth workers, which will be regularly updated on our website at ukyouth.org. We are also facilitating shared spaces for youth workers to connect and reflect and provide support for one another.
We are also continuing to work with partners to explore longer-term solutions to tackle the unrest across our communities. I am honoured to be a commissioner for the Pears Commission on Countering Online Conspiracy in Schools, while UK Youth is a proud partner of the #iwill movement with Volunteering Matters and a founding member of the Hope Collective.
At its core, youth work promotes unity, understanding and peaceful dialogue as alternatives to frustration, violence and division. Its life-changing – and even life-saving – potential is needed in times like this.
These are indeed challenging times, but we refuse to cower to hate. We draw strength and hope from the way young people and communities are coming together to push back against unrest and hate.
We will get through this together.
Space to Connect
Join UK Youth and NYA for a shared space for youth workers and allied professionals working with young people to connect, reflect and provide support for one another following recent unrest within our communities.
At its core, youth work promotes unity, understanding, and peaceful dialogue as alternatives to frustration, violence and division. Its life-changing – and even life-saving – potential is needed in times like this. However we understand that youth workers are feeling vulnerable, sometimes isolated and scared and we hope these spaces will be a space to stand together in solidarity for each other, and to explore a way forward for young people.
Session 1: Thursday, August 8, 11am-noon. To register, click here;
Session 2: Monday, August 12, 5-6pm. To register, click here;
Session 3: Thursday, August 15, 3-4pm. To register, click here.
About UK Youth
UK Youth is a leading charity with a vision that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. With an open network of more than 8,000 youth organisations and nation partners; UK Youth reaches more than four million young people across the UK and is focused on unlocking youth work as the catalyst of change that is needed now more than ever. To find out more, visit ukyouth.org
UK Youth is involved in a range of programmes designed to help young people thrive, such as outdoor learning, physical literacy, social action and employability, including Hatch. For more on UK Youth’s programmes, see ukyouth.org/what-we-do/programmes
The post UK Youth stands firmly against discrimination, violence and hatred appeared first on UK Youth.
