Fast Forward has added its voice to this year’s Scottish Youth Work Week campaign that aims to highlight the many positive contributions that youth work makes to Scottish society.

In particular this year, the sector aims to underline the preventative nature of both targeted and universal youth work services.

Youth unemployment is currently at a record high with around 1 in 5 young people in Scotland unemployed and 14% of 16-19 year olds not in education, employment or training (NEET). This means that up to 36,000 young people are wasting their potential.

The youth work sector in Scotland positively engages with more than 300,000 young people every year, helping them to realise and achieve their potential through a range of exciting and challenging activities.

Commenting, Alastair MacKinnon, Fast Forward Chief Executive said:
 
“ Scotland is a great place to live ! But all of us have a huge investment in making it even better and there is no doubt that every penny invested in promoting young people’s health and well-being will pay dividends for all of us. Our work in substance misuse education and prevention is a key element in making that future for young people healthier and safer. This week we will continue our innovative work in schools, communities and in partnership with other agencies to help ensure our young people make healthy life-style choices.”
Jim Sweeney, Chief Executive of YouthLink Scotland, the national agency for youth work, added:

“Simply put, youth work is prevention. For society, communities and young people it is the ultimate form of preventative spend.

“In its many different forms, youth work helps to develop skills, opportunities, self confidence and a sense of community cohesion for all our young people and reaches many who are faced with disadvantage and deprivation in their lives.
 
“Sustained investment in youth work is vital in developing a nationwide infrastructure that offers wholly positive options to our young people. It is an essential service in helping prevent another lost generation of young people and should never be regarded as an optional extra.

“Youth work also offers incredible value for money, with the latest research showing a social return on investment of up to £13 for every £1 invested.”

Scottish Youth Work Week runs throughout the first week in November and will see a range of special events and activities take place across Scotland, from a variety of youth work organisations, to celebrate the strength and value of the sector.

Follow this link for more information on Youth Link Scotland