Better together: youth work with schools

This resource consists of several case studies to illustrate the impact youth work can have on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. It also outlines how increased engagement with youth workers can support schools and colleges.

The case studies look at the specific needs of the individual, such as those who are vulnerable, struggling to engage or who have poor attendance.

The report emphasises the positive effect that youth work can have on young people who are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.

Using this resource

This resource is designed for:

• use by mental health leads working with students aged 9 to 19+.
• use by staff working in secondary schools, colleges (sixth from and FE) and alternative provisions.

Learning outcomes

This resource addresses the following learning outcomes:

• Use their knowledge to effectively communicate a positive values-based approach, and to promote openness and understanding to normalise mental health and its fluctuations throughout life.
• Understand how they can use local services/resources to enhance their school/college messaging and develop social, emotional and mental health partners in the community.
• Connect different policies and processes (equality & diversity, bullying & harassment, behaviour and safeguarding) to ensure they are working together to support wellbeing.