digital
Nationally, the youth work sector has been moving to strike a balance between maintaining face to face work, whilst embracing all that new technology offers young people.
The Covid-19 pandemic hastened a conversion to digital youth work as a primary form of enagement for learning and leisure purposes.
Partners detailed discoveries that are likely to be sustained into the future. Although, workers cautioned that both they and the young people are suffering from a form of digital fatigue that needs counterbalanced in the Covid recovery phase. Techniques used were as follows:
YMCA and Logos both took time to revamp their websites.
All partners promoted a range of online meeting tools such as Zoom and Teams. This was also the main forum for partners to meet throughout the year. Acitivities offered to young people included challenges, talent shows, quizzes, music recording, art classes, creative writing and cooking.
The popular world of online gaming was explored, as YMCA's minecraft video shows.
Looking after young people's mental health and wellbeing was a concern throughout. All partners offered chat facilities to facilitate deeper conversations. Logos used 'Mentimeter' as a consultation and training tool in the local school.
Young people's online safety was regularly reviewed, with organisations finding solutions such as YMCA's use of Discord.
Availability of equipment was critical to continuing with mainstream school studies. Partners ensured that young people had access to the ICT equipment and support they needed to continue their studies.