Youth work

The National Youth Work Strategy, debated in the Scottish Parliament this week, is a welcome recognition of the role youth workers play in today’s society.

Youth workers make a significant contribution to the lives of young people, and through organisations like The Boys’ Brigade, offer young people the best possible start in life by providing opportunities to learn, make friends and enjoy new experiences.

We welcome the fact that the strategy recognises the importance and popularity of the voluntary uniformed youth work organisations, who together, deliver a vast amount of youth work across Scotland on a weekly basis.

Having pioneered youth work more than 130 years ago, we recognise it is our ability to adapt and evolve that has kept the organisation relevant to Scotland’s young people. This has resulted in resurgence in membership, with over 20,000 young people taking part in our 450 companies each week, delivered by thousands of our dedicated volunteers.

It’s vital momentum is maintained to make Scotland the best place for young people to grow up.

Bill Stevenson

The Boys’ Brigade

Larbert