“Youth work has changed my life; now I hope to inspire others.” My Dad died when I was two years old. When I was 11, my Auntie committed suicide and my Mum began to drink, and rapidly became an alcoholic. As a result I had to look after myself from a young age. We had weeks […]
Our 2017 Successes
WE ASKED THE E:MERGE STAFF WHAT THEIR FAVOURITE SUCCESSES OF 2017 WERE… “This year we had a month of sessions where the young people took over. They planned and delivered creative sessions on issues of their choice; bullying, challenging yourself and knowing your rights. It was great fun and great to see the leadership and […]
Youth Worker Stories
STORY 001 Emily Brierley, 24, Apprentice Youth Worker A full-time worker since September 2016, a volunteer since 2008 and a young person since 2001-2008 We asked Emily about what she loves about her job, why she does it, what’s the toughest situation she has been in as a youth worker & much more. Here’s what […]
The future is looking peak!
“I got kicked out of 6th form because I was an idiot and I didn’t get on with my teachers.” “FAST has helped me find a positive route in amongst the bad. They have helped me to get motivated through the drop-in’s and meeting a lot with Kerry. I want to be a Paramedic so […]
This is my story
My name is Sarah and this is my story… “6 short months ago (that feels like a life time ago) I was at the lowest point I have ever been in my life with lots of other people having control of my life. I was drinking lots too as it helped me forget things. I was 19 […]
Did I fail them?
Two young people that I knew 10 years ago are now serving life sentences for murder. When I worked in Holmewood many moons ago, I spent time with many challenging young people. Some properly engaged, some remained on the periphery. This weekend I came across an article that really shocked me. Two of the young people I […]
A Closer Look at Patmore Estate
“When was the last time you felt truly happy?” It was a question that I posed to one of our most vibrant yet simultaneously discouraged young people. He deliberated for all of 10 seconds before concluding, “When I was last in the [youth] space.” His response was just as much a testament to the impact and importance […]
Getting a Job the FAST Way
One of the first young people to get a job through the work of FAST explains more about the exciting employability work happening on the Patmore Estate. “This time last year I was unemployed. I was working with FAST trying to work out what I wanted to do as I was a bit confused. I […]