Reflections on Practice
Cross the Line, European youth work for future youth workers
by Mark McFeeters, UU and Garreth Smith, TUD
In March 24, six students from Ireland participated in an international training course called Cross the Line in Tata, Hungary. This piece provides a window into this expericence where students from Ireland, Estonia, Belgium, and Hungary to learn more about European youth work.
Read Mark and Garreth's piece here
Access the full programme here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001xmdl
The Role of Agency in Building Hope
by Eliz McArdle and Leighann McConville
On Feb 24th, 2024, the MAC hosted the BBC, for a live recording of the BBC Radio 4 series called ‘All in the Mind’ with Claudia Hammond. This event, entitled ‘The Psychology of Hope’ was a panel discussion with Sinead Moriarty, author of ‘Finding hope,’ Dr. Kevin Mitchell author of ‘Free Agents’ and Dr. Karen Kirby, whose recent work includes a model of teaching hope to primary school children. The event sparks off many ideas for youth workers and for working with young people.
Read Eliz and Leighann's piece here
Ulster University - Community Youth Work
@ 50
In the tenth of our #CYW50 series, Professor Sam McCready reflects on his time at Ulster University
It was either youth work or it was death' - Prof. Sam McCready on the impact of youth work during the troubles, teaching at the Poly and his 'formula' for youth work.
Read Sam's full interview here
Grieving at Christmas
Grieving the loss of a special loved one is hard all year round. However, there is no doubt that the pang of grief can feel much more intense at times when the world comes together, such as at Christmas. At Cruse ‘Somewhere for us’ project, we work with young people who have experienced a death of somebody close or that has had a deep impact on the young person.
Read Ashleigh Maynard's reflection on remembrance and helping young people cope with grief.
Read Ashleigh's reflection here
Ulster University - Community Youth Work
@ 50
In the ninth of our #CYW50 series, Gavin Melly reflects on his time at Ulster University
Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I spent all of my free time in the local youth clubs within my area. After completing my Level 2 and 3 in youth work, I started as a part-time youth worker in Youth First. From working here my line manager at the time encouraged me to pursue my education and training and to apply to Ulster University.
Read Gavin's full interview here
Ulster University - Community Youth Work
@ 50
In the eigth of our #CYW50 series, Gail Neill reflects on her time at Ulster University
Aged 26 I applied for the BSc Community Youth Work at Jordanstown and was unsuccessful! I didn’t hold that against them and applied again the following year. Going to university really was a big deal for me...Since 2017, I’ve had the privilege of returning to UU to teach on the Community Youth Work programme. It’s a fantastic job that enables me to conduct research, engage with youth work students and see first-hand the innovative work that continues within the sector.
Read Gail's full interview here