Lots of us think about the future, where we might go, what we might do. However, challenges, issues and barriers mean that many children do not have the connections, confidence or experiences that they need to thrive. Without these foundations, ambitions can feel out of reach and possibilities remain unrealised.

That’s where youth work comes in. Across the UK, donations from our thousands of generous supporters are used to fund people and projects helping children and young people to find their way around those obstacles, overcome those challenges and achieve futures they might never have thought possible!

Let’s meet just a few of the brilliant people who work hard to provide positive relationships and make life lighter for children. We’ll explore some of the challenges they help children and young people to navigate… and you might discover a project that is local to you!

How our youth workers support young people with their mental health

It’s widely recognised that, throughout recent years, more and more under-18s have been living with worsening mental health challenges – and many are unable to access the help they need. This can stop their ambitions in their tracks.

Blue, from Abergele Community Action in North Wales, reflects on the issue.

“There is no doubt that COVID heightened mental health issues amongst young people. These young people need to be in a place where they’re surrounded by people who care about them – and I think being active is actually the way that we all can have better mental fitness.”

Thanks to your donations, Blue gets young people out and about – exploring nature and running physical activities to help boost wellbeing.

Tosin is youth worker with ReflecTEEN in Manchester, which offers exciting activities and sports to engage with young people who are struggling.

“Active participation is established through a strengths-based and relational approach. Looking at the positives of a young person can change their negatives for the best.”

Whatever challenges a young person is facing, having someone to confide in can totally transform how they feel about themselves and their future.

Natasha of This is Me Counselling and Psychotherapy says: “Just having someone to talk to; it doesn’t sound groundbreaking, but it really can be the difference between a young person spiralling down into more serious mental health conditions or actually starting to thrive.”

Supporting young people through societal pressures and violence

Some children and young people are held back by the risk of violence within their communities – while others may make dangerous or unhealthy connections within gangs, or find themselves led down concerning paths.

Of course, this often has a negative impact on their future.

Titus works with Empire Fighting Chance – a non-contact boxing club in Bristol.

“The violence that’s happening in the cities… the impact of it is huge. It’s no wonder a lot of kids are anxious […] You can see the difference in a session – of a young person coming in, expressing themselves and then leaving just that little bit lighter.”

The team at EPIC in Nottingham understands the incredible importance of forging positive relationships out in the community in order to tackle these challenges.

“It’s a place where you can have your freedom, ‘cos you’re not around your parents and you’re not in the space of your own house, but you’re still safe because you’ve got other grown-ups there that are taking care of you and are willing to listen to you.”

“We help with the preventative side by providing positive activities, but then also we provide that professional support for those young people that need it the most. We provide them with opportunities to help find a better path.”

Recovering from illness, bereavement or trauma

Traumatic events can turn young lives upside down, presenting new challenges to their education, social life and general wellbeing and creating barriers to existing plans.

Since 2024, 10-year-old Kathryn, from Wales, has been supported by her BBC Children in Need-funded therapist, Anne, who works for Kids Cancer Charity.

Anne has been instrumental in helping her to readjust to life after going through gruelling treatments for cancer.

Kathryn says: “She’s one of those really trusting, kind, funny, thoughtful people that you can literally tell anything to. [..] I’ve always wondered: “How is she so good at this job?” […] She’s not just my therapist; she’s now my friend.”

Anne can look back over years of experience providing vital play therapy to children and young people. She says: “When you had a very serious illness, the world outside can feel really big and scary. Children need to relearn how to be in school, look at friendships again and just – where they belong. […] You give that child space. You listen to them and you see them change. And it’s amazing. What a privilege to be part of that.”

Providing guidance and support with education

Every child learns differently – and additional support can be difficult to access, depending on your location and needs. Many BBC Children in Need-funded youth work projects offer educational assistance along with the opportunity to socialise and have fun!

Rab, from Monkstown Boxing Gym in Northern Ireland, has seen first-hand how important youth work is in supporting young people as they learn.

He says: “So many young people […] come through the doors, whether it be just for maybe a breakfast club – starting the day off right – or it may be for the homework support after school […] The education side of it is massive. We know, obviously, COVID had an impact on a lot of young people, on their school life, so I think that’s trying to build their confidence and build their self-esteem again. Just a place where they can go and achieve and be successful coming up through school.”

Salim attends the boxing club and has seen his life transform completely. He says: “I thought I just wasn’t going to get any grades, but as soon as I got all my grades I was really happy. I couldn’t actually stop smiling […] Despite how bad your life could be… Showing up here [to the Monkstown Boxing Gym] – they’d help you. They will be there for you in your darkest days, no matter what.”

Creating a safe and inclusive environment

Many children don’t know where to look for positive mentors and role models – and often miss out on friendships – all of which stands in the way of them achieving the futures they want.

Youth work provides safe, inclusive environments where young people can connect with trusted adults and other young people facing similar challenges. This helps to avoid the risk of young people becoming isolated and cut off from support.

Tom works for Wolfwise in Wolverhampton:

“Children spending so much time in the digital world can lead to feeling isolated. They can be seeking for mentors and leadership in places they potentially shouldn’t and struggling to make human connection. That’s where we come in. Wolfwise will create those connections – those trusted relationships – and we’ll be there for them as a mentor.”

However, while the digital world can pose many risks, sometimes, the best way to reach isolated children and young people is through technology.