To mark Youth Work Week 2024, Musselburgh Grammar School pupil Ailsa Rose interviewed youth worker Mikey McKinnon to find out more about his role and why reputation in the community is key to success.
Mikey McKinnon has been working with North Berwick Youth Project since February 2023 and as of August 2024 got the full time post as a specialist youth worker.
Mikey was originally a swim coach before he got involved with youth work. When asked why he made the decision to switch he said he’d always “Really enjoyed working with young people.” and was keen to move into a role that offered more variety. He then further explained “I thought, ‘can I transfer my skills into working - still working with young people but in a different environment?’” He found his desire for change and freedom when he started out doing the sessional youth work at North Berwick Youth Project.
“It impacts everybody”
When asked who youth work impacts, Mikey instantly replied “It impacts everybody…all our communities.” Youth work is there to help young people with “Whatever needs there are: family issues, anything.” It comes in many forms, whether that be 1-2-1 support, clubs or groups, and its aim is to be as open and accessible for everyone. Mikey added that youth work allows young people to “Let them see that their communities are good, but also let the communities see that young people have something to give as well, because they all do. Every young person does.”
Youth work provides young people with the opportunities they need to thrive and flourish whilst building up confidence and social skills. It is centred around the trust developed between the young individual and the youth worker and, in turn, establishes a bond between the young person and their community. Mikey states that youth work is so important because its purpose is “To help them. At the end of the day, that’s the nuts and bolts of it…to help these young people achieve.” Smiling, he adds “And be, I know it sounds a bit corny, but the best person that they can actually be.”
Working with young people
Working with young people can be a challenge. We all have bad days which can impact our mood, so Mikey’s ethos is that he aims to “Go and make that young person's day a bit better.” He highlights that “When you see it happening…they smile, they laugh, they open up a bit - that’s the best part for me.” Working with young people and getting to know them can be an amazing experience.
Accessing Youth Work
Youth work operates within communities and schools. Although social media does play an important role in spreading information, Mikey stresses that “Word of mouth’s a huge thing as well.” It is most common for a pupil to be referred to youth work by a guidance teacher but that doesn’t have to be the case. You can also find more details for groups or sessions online as well as from other people in your community or school. Having a good reputation means that a youth work organisation can reach those who need the service. Mikey explains that “People telling somebody that they love it…it’s like gold dust…reputation in the community is huge.”
