During National Youth Work Week, which runs from Monday, 2 November to Sunday, 8 November, the Medway Youth Service has reported significant engagement with young people. The annual event, organised by the National Youth Agency, focuses this year on the theme 'Where Futures Begin', celebrating the people, places, and relationships that support young people's growth.
In the 2025/26 period, the service engaged 1,624 young people, resulting in nearly 20,000 attendances across more than 10,600 hours of youth work delivered throughout Medway. An impressive 89 per cent of young participants reported a very positive experience with the support received and their relationships with youth workers, while 98 per cent expressed overall satisfaction.
The service also provided support to 231 young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) to access opportunities. Additionally, 20 young volunteers contributed to delivering activities, and 10 young people are currently pursuing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
“"Every day, our youth workers support young people to develop confidence, learn new skills and achieve their goals. National Youth Work Week is an opportunity to celebrate not only the impact of youth work, but also the young people and volunteers who make our communities stronger. These figures represent more than numbers. They represent futures being shaped, potential being unlocked, and communities being strengthened."
To commemorate the week, Medway Youth Service is hosting a Volunteer Roadshow to recognise the contributions of young volunteers and senior members. Among those celebrated are young people completing their Duke of Edinburgh's Award at Strood Youth Centre, some of whom used the programme as an alternative route due to barriers like cost or personal circumstances.
With support from youth workers, young individuals including Noah, Izzy, Erynn, Emily, Hugo, Sydney, Liam, Ryan, Evie and Elaana have completed their Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh's Awards. They have since progressed into volunteering roles, assisting with climbing sessions at Strood Youth Centre, developing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, and gaining nationally recognised climbing qualifications. Emily, Hugo, and Noah are among 10 young people currently working towards their Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
This programme exemplifies how youth work can create pathways to volunteering, qualifications, and employment, ultimately helping young people build confidence, raise aspirations, and acquire essential future skills.
