Flexie Inc.’s Post

For Youth Work Week I reflect on my youth work journey and how being involved in youth work has impacted me as a person… A thank you to youth work… From the age of 23 to 37 I had the opportunity and pleasure of developing into and growing as a youth worker in and around the area where I was born and bred. In youth work I found a path and a purpose, one that only now I can only fully appreciate. Being a young adult, yet to understand much of the world I found a space to be helpful and directly impact the lives of others. Unfortunately there wasn’t always success or more, the intended goals were not always achieved, sometimes it didn’t work, sometimes it wasn't the right time, I wasn’t the right person, the factors fighting success were too complex. But when success is not achieved, learning is a fundamental outcome, fall down 7, get up 8… Thank you for teaching me reflection and resilience. From the organised chaos of a Friday night youth club session, to a school workshop, a targeted project and to a direct 1-1 intervention, the ability of adapting to ever changing scenarios and behaviours was and is vital. There was never the same day, the same session, the same behaviours… something was always different. Thank you for preparing me for all and any situation. Working with a variety of young people and colleagues allowed me to explore new cultures, backgrounds and ways of life. Without understanding an individual and building a trusting relationship, progression is not possible in any walk of life. Thank you for widening my lens and giving me better perspective. The thanks are endless… being a youth worker has developed me into a better individual and I won’t forget that. I do hope that one day we have an improved youth offer nationally, I do honestly believe it is vital and would be more successful in reducing many of the ongoing challenges young people and society faces. Now, the theme for this year is A right to youth work for all - delivering positive futures for young people. Lots of work still to do… #YWW24

Youth workers play a vital role in shaping the next generation! They can be recognised as the unsung heroes in our community - our youth workers. The tireless efforts, unwavering dedication, and unrelenting passion for empowering young minds are the backbone of our society's future. Youth workers, are the bridge between childhood and adulthood. They provide a safe haven, a listening ear, and a guiding light for young people navigating life's challenges. Their work is not just a job; it's a calling, a vocation that requires patience, empathy, and understanding. Youth workers inspire youths to dream big, to believe in themselves, and to become active citizens who can make a difference. They help them develop essential life skills, build confidence, and foster meaningful relationships. Their influence shapes their values, attitudes, and aspirations, setting them up for success in all aspects of life. If you’re a Youth Worker like myself, you break down barriers and challenge social norms. You create inclusive spaces where young people from diverse backgrounds can come together, share experiences, and learn from each other. Your work promotes social cohesion, addresses mental health concerns, and tackles systemic inequalities. You amplify the voices of young people, ensuring their concerns are heard and their ideas are valued. You encourage them to take ownership of their lives, to speak up against injustice, and to become agents of positive change. Your impact will be felt for generations to come. The young people you work with today will become tomorrow's leaders, innovators, and change-makers. They will carry the lessons you've taught them, the values you've instilled, and the confidence you've inspired into their future endeavors. #BushmanasDiary #ONavakavuQoi #Survivor #YouthWorkerAVocation

🔍 Shining a Light on Social Mobility: A Call to Action for 2024 Co-op's recent study reveals a stark reality: 70% of individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in the UK face significant barriers when pursuing career or educational opportunities. This isn't just a statistic—it's a call to action urging institutions and industries to examine and reform outdated structures that propagate socio-economic disadvantages. As 2024 unfolds, I believe we are at the cusp of transformative change. Here's why: 1. **Recognizing the Reality**: Understanding the challenges faced by this demographic is stepping stone number one. It's no longer about acknowledging the disparity but actively addressing the root causes. 2. **Holistic Education Access**: The education sector needs a robust reevaluation. Equity in education can set the groundwork for social mobility—targeting areas like scholarships, mentorship programs, and work-study opportunities can make a monumental difference. 3. **Industry Commitment**: Employers have a pivotal role. Implementing inclusive hiring practices and fostering environments that accommodate diverse backgrounds can propel careers across the spectrum of socioeconomic strata. 4. **Policy Reforms**: Stakeholder synergies between governments, corporations, and educational institutions are crucial. Policies designed to dismantle existing barriers and incentivize inclusive practices will be instrumental. 5. **Community Empowerment**: Let's not forget the power of community initiatives. Through collaborations that empower local efforts, we can cultivate sustainable support systems from the grassroots up. The path forward hinges on commitment and creativity—two factors within our grasp. Together, we can create avenues where talent and ambition are no longer stifled by socio-economic confines but are given the platform to thrive. ✒️ Let's utilize our professional networks to champion this cause. A society that truly embraces social mobility is one where equality fosters innovation, and opportunities abound for all, regardless of background. 🔗 Dive deeper into the Co-op report and see how we can all drive this change: [7.4 million miss out on career opportunities due to socioeconomic background, Co-op reveals](https://lnkd.in/euhYvV7Q) What are your thoughts on enhancing social mobility in 2024? Let's discuss how we can each contribute to this critical dialogue. 💬👇 #SocialMobility #InclusiveGrowth #OpportunityForAll

International Youth Day is celebrated annually on August 12th to recognize the importance and contributions of young people worldwide. This day serves as a reminder of the potential and power that the youth hold in shaping the future. It aims to promote ways to engage and empower young individuals to make positive changes in society. The theme of International Youth Day varies each year and focuses on issues that affect young people globally. It provides a platform to raise awareness about challenges faced by the youth, such as education, employment, mental health, and social inclusion. This celebration encourages youth participation in decision-making processes and emphasizes the significance of investing in youth development. On this day, events, workshops, and campaigns are organized to highlight the achievements of young people and to inspire them to take action towards building a better world. It's a time to recognize the creativity, innovation, and resilience of the youth population and to support their aspirations for a brighter future. International Youth Day serves as a reminder that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow but also valuable contributors to society today.

Empowering Youth Through International Exchange: Screen for Youth Program in Rimini I recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in the "Screen for Youth" exchange program in Rimini, and let me tell you, it was life-changing! 🌍✨ What's Screen for Youth? Screen for Youth is not just any exchange program; it's a platform for tackling real-world issues head-on. In Rimini, our focus was on addressing youth unemployment, a pressing issue affecting millions worldwide. Why Youth Unemployment Matters? Youth unemployment isn't just about numbers; it's about dreams deferred, potential untapped, and opportunities lost. By addressing this issue, we're not just securing jobs; we're shaping futures and fostering economic resilience. How Screen for Youth Made a Difference: Through workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities, we explored innovative solutions to combat youth unemployment. From entrepreneurship to skills development, each session was a step towards empowering ourselves and our communities. The Impact: The impact of Screen for Youth extends far beyond Rimini. As ambassadors of change, we returned to our homes equipped with new ideas, perspectives, and a renewed sense of purpose. Together, we're not just dreaming of a better future; we're actively building it. Why Spread the Word? Sharing my experience isn't just about boasting; it's about raising awareness. By shining a spotlight on programs like Screen for Youth, we inspire others to get involved, support similar initiatives, and ultimately, create a more inclusive and prosperous world for all. Join the Movement: Whether you're a young changemaker, a seasoned professional, or simply someone passionate about making a difference, there's a place for you in the youth mobility and exchange movement. Let's come together, share our stories, and amplify the impact of programs like Screen for Youth. Let's Connect: Interested in learning more about my experience with Screen for Youth or want to get involved in similar initiatives? Drop me a message or connect with me! Together, we can be the change we wish to see in the world. Remember, it's not just about where you come from; it's about where you're going. Let's journey towards a brighter future, together. #YouthEmpowerment #ExchangePrograms #ScreenForYouth #YouthUnemployment #GlobalImpact #Changemakers YOBBA - Youth Beyond Borders Association

I am proud to support #SocialMobilityDay and even prouder to #sharemoments with my network I do not shy away from the fact that I grew up in poverty, as a free school meal student and that my family experienced some tough times. My experiences made me who I am today and continue to drive my commitment to youth employment and inclusion. It really wasn't until I was a co-author of a piece of research with Newcastle University in 2018 (6 years after founding Youth Employment UK) that I realised how much my childhood experiences would have impacted my life and its trajectory. I was too busy fighting my way ahead to realise! The report focused on how the transfer of capital (social, economic and cultural) from parents to children can impact social mobility and progression. And it really highlighted that where parents did have their own capital their children would benefit from greater economic and career prospects. And it really makes sense, for young people who have parents with capital they benefit in the knowledge, skills, experiences and networks that it comes with. But for those young people without, just like me and many, many others the world is much harder to navigate (especially I think today). The UK has not moved forward anywhere near far enough when it comes to social mobility. Young people without that parent capital are struggling. They are less likely to get access to experiences of work, less likely to have mentors or opportunities opened up to them and less likely to find the transition into employment an easy one. Navigating tough recruitment processes without someone to support you, or to open up that secret door makes it so hard. It is why I am super proud and committed to the work we do at Youth Employment UK to showcase what Good Youth Employment practice is for employers and how we have a laser focus on ensuring the systems work for young people who need it the most. https://lnkd.in/edEdBUmy

🔍 The Growing Challenge of Youth Unemployment As we navigate through an era of rapid technological advancements, shifting market demands, and global uncertainties, one alarming trend continues to rise: youth unemployment. According to recent reports, a significant number of young people are struggling to find stable, fulfilling employment, despite holding degrees and skills. Many industries are evolving, and while innovation opens new doors, traditional jobs are disappearing faster than ever before. This gap between education and employability has created an urgent need for retraining and reskilling the next generation. We must focus on providing practical experience, mentorship, and future-proof skills to empower young professionals. What can be done? 💼 Invest in skill-based education 🤝 Foster industry-academia partnerships 🚀 Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation The future of work is changing, and we need to ensure that our youth are ready to lead in it. Let’s start a conversation—how do you think we can close this gap? 🤔 #YouthUnemployment #FutureOfWork #SkillDevelopment #OpportunitiesForYouth #YouthUnemployment #FutureOfWork #JobMarketTrends #SkillDevelopment #EmploymentCrisis #GenerationZ #Reskilling #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerOpportunities #YoungProfessionals #EmpowerYouth #UnemploymentSolutions #CareerGrowth #JobsForYouth

"Youth Employment Hubs can improve people's careers, earnings and wellbeing in the long term - and boost economic growth and productivity, benefitting us all." 🚀 It was brilliant to see Demos new report on Youth Employment Hubs (aka Youth Hubs) published yesterday, authored by Andrew Phillips and Naema Malik. Youth Hubs are incredibly interesting, taking localised, experimental approaches to delivering employment support focused on the needs of young people, with the right organisations working together in the right place to make a difference. 🎯 But despite there being around 120 Youth Hubs across England, Scotland and Wales, there's relatively little understanding about what best practice is and the role they could play in the new Government's commitment to bring down the number of young people not learning or earning - which is now at the highest rate since 2015. Because of that - this report is a timely contribution, and well worth a read - and I'm delighted to have been able to support Andrew and Naema in this work during my time at Youth Futures Foundation, who supported the project. 💡 👇 https://lnkd.in/dw6d2vG9

#Happy New Month # Empowering All with Equal Access to Education and Economic Opportunities!  Let's celebrate strides toward a fairer world fueled by the transformative power of education and economic empowerment! But amidst our progress, let's not forget the millions still hindered by barriers to quality education and sustainable livelihoods. Education isn't just a right; it's a turbocharger for societal and economic growth! Yet, disparities persist, especially among marginalized groups, girls, and conflict-affected regions. It's time to champion inclusive education initiatives and smash through barriers to unleash the boundless potential in every individual, no matter their background!  Likewise, economic empowerment is the cornerstone of resilient communities and narrowed inequalities. However, many face systemic hurdles like gender bias, financial exclusion, and limited job prospects. It's our call to action to foster entrepreneurship, provide vocational training, and champion fair employment practices, paving the way to prosperity for all! Let's recommit to our shared goal of ensuring equal access to education and economic opportunities. Together, let's bridge the gap and forge a future where every person can thrive, contribute, and soar to new heights! #EqualOpportunity #EducationForAll #EconomicEmpowerment #InclusiveDevelopment 🌟

🌟 Why People Become Youth Workers 🌟 Passion for Empowerment: At the heart of youth work lies a fervent desire to empower the next generation. Youth workers believe in the inherent potential of every young person and are committed to fostering their growth and development. Making an impact: Youth work offers a unique opportunity to directly impact the lives of young individuals. Whether it's providing guidance, offering support, or advocating for their needs, youth workers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our communities. Personal Journey: For many, the decision to become a youth worker is deeply personal. They may have been faced with challenges in their youth which led them to want to help with youth of today. Sense of Fulfillment: Witnessing the growth and resilience of young people can be incredibly rewarding. Youth workers find fulfilment in knowing that they are making a positive difference in the lives of the next generation. Building Meaningful Relationships: At its core, youth work is built on meaningful connections between youth workers and young people. The opportunity to mentor, support, and inspire young individuals is a driving force for many in this profession. Commitment to Social Change: Youth work is intricately linked to broader efforts for social change and community development. Individuals who are passionate about creating a more equitable and just world see youth work as a powerful avenue for enacting positive societal transformation. What do you think of these reasons? #YouthWork #Empowerment #SocialJustice #MakingADifference