As part of Youth Work Week 2024 we speak to Kat about what she's learned from her involvement in the field and the benefits of positive relationships.
It was a conversation with young people who “making a nuisance” at a bus stop outside her house that led Kat Skwara to consider a role in youth work. “Rather than complaining to the police or whoever - I went over and spoke to them directly. They were showing no malice they just didn't realise that their behaviour had an impact on other people,” she said. “When a job came up in Recharge, I applied. I am still with Recharge. I work with the council as a Specialist Youth Work on Duke of Edinburgh in East Lothian and as an outreach youth worker, and within East Lothian Works as an Employability Intervention Officer where I apply this approach to employability activities.”
Positive effects
Kat points to youth work’s positive effects on the lives of everyone involved: individuals, community and society. “It impacts young people’s relationship with their parents, their community and their peers. It is impactful on education for young people who are struggling, working hand in hand with school to encourage them to return or to consider alternatives. It also encourages meta-skills such as self-awareness, critical thinking, adaptability, communication and problem-solving. These days employers are looking for these skills and they are routed in youth work.”
There are a number of youth projects across East Lothian including Recharge, North Berwick Youth Project and The Bridges Project as well as work at individual community centres and local spaces. Kat also points to more specialist services such as MYPAS. The key, she says is providing “a safe space for young people to thrive. I think it is about positive relationships with other adults. For some young people this may be their only positive relationship with adults.”
It's fun!
While the benefits to young people are clear, Kat feels that she has also learned a lot from her involvement. “They teach you a lot because you have young people who have different religions and cultures, experiences, and knowledge of up-to-date technology - it is wonderful to share discussions. It allows me to experience things that I wouldn't normally do such as excursions and offers opportunities you can use in your own life. You can see the impact you have on young people. You can see how they develop, that is lovely! It is fun and challenging.”
