Youth work, schools and initial mental health support: exploring the interconnections from youth work practice

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021) initiated a series of school closures and interrupted learning for pupils, thereby exacerbating pre-existing mental health issues for a generation of young people. This context magnified the discussion of how best to support young people’s mental well-being. Youth work has a positive history of engagement with schools, and a growing body of research demonstrates that sustained participation in youth work processes and activities improves young people’s mental well-being, self-esteem, and resilience. This article argues that strategic collaboration between youth work and schools can enhance preventative interventions for young people facing low level mental health challenges. Drawing on qualitative data derived from youth workers in central Scotland and northeast England, this article analyses their post-pandemic collaborations with schools and critically examines both the opportunities and challenges for youth work in delivering initial mental health support in school settings. Key themes emerging include: sustained youth work presence in schools focused on one-to-one support and group work with young people; the importance of youth work processes and principles; increased demand from schools for youth work support; and youth worker involvement in ‘Alternative Provision’ both on and off school premises. These findings contribute to ongoing debates regarding the role of youth work within schools and reiterate its critical importance as an initial mental health intervention for young people.