Youth workers feel young people aren't being treated fairly

Young people in Britain aren’t being treated fairly, a survey of youth workers researching the Big Society debate has found.

Oasis College, Centre for Youth Ministry and Frontier Youth Trust (FYT) carried out the research earlier this year.

They found, after interviewing more than 150 faith-based youth workers throughout the UK, that 68 per cent of workers feel that young people in the nation aren’t being treated fairly.

Meanwhile, there was concern that cuts in budgets for work with young people would significantly undermine the Big Society initiative.

The Big View report outlines the findings of The Big Survey and The Big Consultations.

The research, undertaken by Nigel Pimlott as part of his doctoral studies, was undertaken before the recent riots, but serves as a timely reminder of the role faith-based youth work plays in society.

Mr Pimlott said: “The recent riots across the country have highlighted the need for greater investment, co-operation and partnership working to positively influence all work with young people.

“My research indicates that there are significant challenges to overcome, but also many opportunities for faith-based work in the future to continue to be resilient, creative and enterprising.”

Paul Fenton, Principal of Oasis College, added: “This research highlights the need to connect big ideas with the lived experiences of those working with young people in communities throughout the UK.

"It highlights that ideas are not enough. For the Big Society to become a reality it must be matched by ‘Big Changes’ in social policy and very practical support.”

Dave Wiles, Chief Executive Officer of FYT, said: “This research significantly adds to the current debates about youth work and young people in our society. Faith-based youth workers have a vital role to play in the future and implementing the recommendations set out in The Big View would be a positive step for all concerned.”