Detached Youth Work is a model of youth work practice, targeted at vulnerable & excluded young people who mainstream youth work and services may not reach. It takes place on young people’s own territory such as streets, cafés, parks, outside shops etc. – at times that are appropriate to them and on their terms. It begins from where young people are in terms of their values, attitudes, issues and ambitions and is concerned with their personal and social development.

The majority of Detached Youth Work is working with young people on issues that affect them, i.e. Drugs, Alcohol, Sexual Health, Bullying, Race/Racism, Homelessness, and Unemployment etc. This work is done through activities, workshops, drama productions, visits from/to relevant agencies, residential weekends etc and has a positive impact on young people’s development. Our work is to ensure that young people are fully informed and have all possible information on issues that affect them in order for them to be able to make informed choices.

In Sandwell, we have 2 detached teams in each of the six towns that operate 2 sessions per week.  Each team is designated a neighbourhood to work on which are identified according to the needs of young people and following consultation with partners such as local police, community teams, local councillors etc.

If you are a young person, a parent or an agency that could benefit from linking in with the Detached Youth Service or would just like to know what Detached Youth Work is taking place in your area then get in touch with one of the following Youth Officers for your town:

Tipton & Rowley Regis 

Russell Allen

Russell_Allen@sandwell.gov.uk

Wednesbury & West Bromwich

Steve Walker

steven_walker@sandwell.gov.uk

Oldbury & Smethwick

Shafaq Hussain

shafaq_hussain@sandwell.gov.uk