Understanding the changes to Hackney Youth Services
The Youth Service, Youth Support Service and Youth Offending Team have now been combined to form a single service for all young people aged 8 -19, called 'Young Hackney'. Below you'll find some general information about the new approach, and you can also check out our frequently asked questions about changes to youth services in Hackney.
Services offered by Young Hackney
Much like the former Youth Service, Young Hackney will offer activities for the benefit of all young people, such as
- youth clubs
- events
- opportunities to gain accreditations
- a chance to get involved in the community through Youth Forums or the Youth Parliament
- information and advice on health, careers and relationships.
Support provided to young people
Young Hackney will also be responsible for work previously managed by the Youth Support and Youth Offending Teams. This includes giving extra support to young people who need it, for example:
- if they are out of work
- if they need help to re-engage with education
- if they have special requirements such as a disability.
In addition, Young Hackney staff will work with young people who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offence, making sure they don't go on to re-offend.
An integrated approach
The new service brings all these elements of youth work under one roof. Young Hackney staff will work in small teams known as Young Hackney Units, sharing their skills and experience. This means they'll be better placed to offer young people the right support at the right time and the same worker or set of workers will provide help for the young person whatever their needs are.
This new system will take a 'single front door' approach. Young people will be able to start their journey wherever Young Hackney workers are based: whether this is at a local youth centre, at a school, within a youth health clinic or at one of the five new Young Hackney Centres, which will be up-and-running in early summer 2012.
Because Young Hackney will be working with a younger age group (from age 8 onwards; our youth services used to work with young people aged 13-19), this means we will be able to help young people in the transition years between childhood and adolescence.
Frequently asked questions
You may wish to read our frequently asked questions about the changes to youth services in Hackney.
Page updated: 27 Oct 2011
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