Youth Work Bulletin: September 2026

September 2026

 
 

New case studies highlight youth work’s contribution to a fairer Wales

A new suite of case studies has recently been published demonstrating how youth work is supporting positive outcomes for young people and contributing to a fairer, more inclusive Wales.

 

The case studies showcase examples of youth work across Wales that promote equality, diversity and inclusion, challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviours, and support young people to develop confidence, resilience and a positive sense of identity.

 

Explore the case studies via Hwb.

 

Abstract silhouettes of overlapping profiles in varied colours, representing diversity and inclusion

Youth work in Wales: delivering for young people. A summary for young people (BSL)

Youth work should be planned and delivered in partnership with young people, ensuring they can influence decisions and hold decision-makers to account for the services they receive.

We would be grateful if you could share the Youth Work in Wales: Statutory Framework Summary for Young People, together with the accompanying BSL video, widely across your networks to maximise opportunities for young people to engage, participate and have their voices heard.

Starting a first job

Young people starting their first jobs can access a new guide and free workshops to help them build confidence, protect their wellbeing and develop the skills they need to thrive at work. 

Thriving at Work, A Young Person’s Guide has been developed with young people and employers to reflect the real experiences and challenges faced by those entering the workplace for the first time. It draws on research, workshops and surveys to ensure the advice is practical, relevant and grounded in lived experience

‘Ready, Set, Thrive’ workshops are for 16 to 24 year olds who are about to start their first job or have recently begun working. They provide guidance and training from Workplace Health Advisers in supported sessions. Bookings are open now via Healthy Working Wales.

For any questions or support, please contact Workplacehealth@wales.nhs.uk

ERYICA

The Welsh Government is a full member of the European Youth Information and Counselling Agency (ERYICA) - an independent organisation composed of national and regional youth information coordinating bodies and networks.

Through its membership, the Welsh Government works alongside governments, youth information organisations and networks from across Europe to promote young people's right to access reliable, independent and inclusive information.

ERYICA's mission is to ensure that young people have access to accurate information that helps them make informed decisions.

Membership provides the Welsh Government - and organisations across the youth work sector in Wales - with opportunities to engage in European collaboration, share Welsh approaches to youth work and youth information, and learn from successful initiatives in other countries.

The ERYICA Extraordinary General Assembly will take place in Dublin on 18 to 19 November 2026. A representative from Welsh Government will be attending on behalf of the Welsh youth work sector.

A draft agenda for the event is available here and will include discussions on youth information, counselling and democracy; the impact and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI); and youth information, counselling and inclusion.

If there are any particular priorities, issues or key points you would like raised during discussions, please send these to the Youth Work mailbox at youthwork@gov.wales, and we will seek to reflect them where appropriate.

Gathering impact creatively: online session

Youth workers and others working directly with young people are invited to an interactive online session exploring creative and inclusive ways to gather and evidence impact. The session will look at approaches beyond traditional surveys and questionnaires, including photography, video, audio, digital storytelling and creative activities. It will also explore young person-led approaches, with consent, safeguarding, accessibility and inclusion at the centre. Participants will leave with practical ideas they can adapt to strengthen evaluation, reporting and service improvement in their youth work setting.

Date: Wednesday 04/11/2026 | Time: 16:30 to 18:30 BST | Format: Online 

To attend this session, please reserve your space online.

RoL Models: Explore the Rule of Law

RoL Models is a new UK-wide campaign created by five Youth Ambassadors from the Attorney General’s Office, giving young people opportunities to explore what the Rule of Law means to them through creativity, discussion and real-world examples.

The RoL Models Challenge opened on 21 September for ages 11 to 16, while the RoL Models Competition opens on 14 October for ages 16 to 25. Young people can respond through writing, video, presentations, artwork and other creative formats. Entries close on 4 December 2026, and participation is free.

More information: https://rolmodels.com

Hate crime

Children and young people affected by hate crime can access free and confidential support through the Wales Hate Support Centre. The Centre provides emotional and practical assistance, personal safety services, advocacy, and help navigating the criminal justice system.

In addition to providing support, the Centre offers a hate crime reporting service, although they emphasise that in an emergency, individuals should always contact the police on 999.

The Centre can be contacted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year via their website, by telephone on 0300 3031 982, or by email.

Are we really listening?

The Informed Perspective is inviting people to take part in its ‘Are We Really Listening?’ research study, exploring what it means to feel heard and understood in a world of screens, notifications and busy schedules. The anonymous online survey asks about experiences of listening and being listened to by family, friends and wider society. It takes approximately 7 to 10 minutes to complete, and participation is voluntary. The findings will contribute to research exploring people’s perspectives and experiences of being heard.

Don’t miss the opportunity to share your views – complete the survey today!

Youth Work Training Academy for Wales

The Youth Work Training Academy for Wales supports youth workers at every stage of their journey, offering training, resources and opportunities to develop skills and confidence. Working with partners across Wales, the Academy aims to make learning accessible, practical and relevant to the challenges faced by youth workers. The programme is open to those starting out in youth work as well as experienced practitioners looking to build their knowledge and practice.

 

Take a look at the upcoming events and opportunities

Youth Work Training Academy for Wales logo

Free Food and Drink Compliance Passport in Wales

The Food and Drink Compliance Passport is a package of training designed to give learners essential knowledge for working safely in the food and drink sector. It covers Food Safety, Health and Safety, HACCP and Allergen Awareness, helping participants understand safe food handling, workplace health and safety and the management of food-related risks.

The Passport is available free of charge in Wales, with 350 licences currently funded by Welsh Government. It is recommended for young people aged 14+, although there is no official minimum age. The training can support employability and provide useful skills for youth settings involving cooking, food preparation and healthy eating.

To request a free licence, email: info@nsafd.co.uk

Share youth work stories from across Wales

The Marketing and Communications team in Youth Cymru is gathering real stories that demonstrate the positive difference youth work makes to young people and communities across Wales. Contributions could include a short story, quote, photograph, video or example of good practice. Sharing these experiences can help showcase the impact and diversity of youth work across the sector. Youth work organisations and practitioners are encouraged to contribute stories and examples that could be shared through future communications.

Contact: GICYWW@youthcymru.org.uk

Join the Youth Work in Wales WhatsApp group

The sector is invited to join the Youth Work in Wales WhatsApp group for updates and opportunities. Scan the QR code below using the WhatsApp camera to join the group.

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Midnight Skate 2026: Early Bird Tickets Now Available

The countdown to Midnight Skate 2026 has begun, with Early Bird tickets now available for £12 for a limited time.

The event will bring young people from across Wales together for an evening of skating, music, lights, games and entertainment. Young people who attended Midnight Skate 2025 may have received priority access ahead of the general sale. Youth groups are welcome, with non-skating youth workers and volunteers able to attend free when accompanying their group. Tickets are expected to sell quickly, so early booking is encouraged.

Book now

Date: Friday 4/12/2026 | Time: 22:30pm to 01:30am

Early Bird tickets: £12 | Audience: Young people and youth groups 

Contributing to the Bulletin

Youth Cymru works with partners across the sector to source a broad and representative range of content. Organisations are encouraged to share relevant updates, opportunities and good news stories that support national youth work priorities.

Further details on submission timelines and requirements are shared ahead of each edition.

If you would like to contribute to a future bulletin, please get in touch via email. A style guide and information on word counts for each section will be provided.

Content should be sent to GICYWW@youthcymru.org.uk.

Follow updates on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GIC.YWW

Deadline for the next bulletin: Please submit content by 26 October 2026.

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Get in touch!

Get in touch via email (youthwork@gov.wales) if you want to contribute to the next bulletin. We'll provide a style guide for submitting articles to us, with information on the word count of articles for the various sections.

Please remember to use #YouthWorkinWales #GwaithIeuenctidCymru when tweeting to raise the profile of Youth Work in Wales.

Follow @ieuenctidcymru on X and Facebook to keep up to date with all news.

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ABOUT

The newsletter will be issued every 4 months to provide information and support to the youth work sector.

Find out more on the web:

gov.wales/youth-work-and-engagement

Get in touch:

youthwork@gov.wales

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@IeuenctidCymru