Creating Positive Change Through Youth and Community Work
Working with young people is about much more than organising activities. For me, it is about creating a space where young people feel welcome, build relationships, develop confidence and have access to positive opportunities.
A safe space to connect
At RISE, we want young people to have somewhere they can spend time safely, meet others and try new things. Whether they are playing sport, taking part in a workshop or simply spending time at the RISE Hub, having a trusted space and people around them can make a real difference.
The RISE Youth Club provides opportunities to socialise, build friendships and take part in activities including pool, table tennis, games and other recreational activities.
These things may seem simple, but they help create relationships. Young people get to know each other and the youth team, and over time that trust can make it easier for someone to speak about something they are dealing with or ask for support.
Mental wellbeing is part of this too. Sometimes young people need structured support, but sometimes they simply need a safe place where they can talk, relax and know that somebody will listen.
Keeping young people active
Sport is an important part of how I engage young people.
Every Thursday, I run our padel sessions, giving young people the opportunity to try a growing sport, stay active and develop coordination, teamwork and communication.
On Sundays, we run calisthenics sessions, helping young people improve their fitness, build confidence and develop positive exercise routines.
Our football programme has also been an important part of the youth offer and is due to return. Football gives young people more than physical activity. It encourages discipline, teamwork, communication and a sense of belonging.
Sport often gives us another way to build relationships with young people who may not initially be interested in a workshop or formal support service.
Building relationships through activity, support and opportunity.
Youth Club
Creating a safe and welcoming place where young people can socialise, build friendships and connect with the youth team.
Padel
Giving young people opportunities to stay active, try something new and develop confidence, coordination and teamwork.
Calisthenics
Supporting fitness, discipline and positive routines through regular outdoor physical activity.
Workshops & Support
Helping young people build practical skills, access guidance and think more confidently about their next steps.
Building skills and confidence
We also want young people to leave RISE having gained something they can use beyond the Hub.
Workshops give young people opportunities to build practical knowledge and develop skills that can support them in everyday life, education and employment.
One example was our first-aid workshop, where young people learned how to respond in an emergency and developed useful knowledge they could carry with them.
Through activities like these, young people can build confidence, communication, teamwork, responsibility and problem-solving skills.
We also provide informal support around things such as employment, CVs and finding opportunities. The aim is not simply to tell someone where to go, but to help them understand their next step and feel more confident taking it.
The relationships we build are just as important as the activities themselves.
Salim Abdulkadir, Youth Engagement Officer
Creating opportunities for the wider community
Although much of my role focuses on young people, the RISE Hub is also becoming a space where the wider community can connect.
We are introducing Wednesday Sip & Paint sessions, bringing people together for painting, tea and desserts in a relaxed social environment.
Activities like this can help reduce isolation, create new connections and give people another reason to come into the Hub and meet others locally.
That is something I value about RISE. Someone may first come through the door for one activity, but that connection can introduce them to other people, services and opportunities.
More than activities
What we are trying to build is bigger than a weekly timetable.
Through Youth Club, padel, calisthenics, football, workshops and informal support, we want young people to have opportunities that strengthen their confidence, skills, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
As a Youth Engagement Officer, seeing a young person become more confident, try something for the first time or begin thinking differently about what they can achieve is one of the most rewarding parts of the work.
There is still more we want to develop, but the aim remains simple: to create positive spaces where young people can connect, grow and move forward.
Find out what’s happening for young people at RISE.
From Youth Club and football to calisthenics, padel and workshops, explore the activities, support and opportunities available through RISE.