Season 2 Episode 2: West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Youth Interventions Team

Hello and welcome to season 2 of the Jenni Talks podcast, From Isolation to Community. In this season we are going to focus on conversations with people about creating new communities and spaces for young people to engage with as a result of the pandemic. I have written a book called From Isolation to Community: Youth Work in the Covid Era and Beyond that is available now. In it I have recorded the stories of many people working with young people across the UK during the pandemic, we will be hearing from some of these same youth workers but also from others who I’ve come across who are doing some amazing things to engage, empower and encourage young people to really thrive despite all the restrictions that have been put on us in these pandemic times.

You can buy the book by going to my website www.jenniosborn.org and clicking on one of the options there.

One of my passions has been supporting those who work with young people and this was part of the aim of the book, to showcase and reflect on the work that’s happening up and down the country. I also offer mentoring for youth workers, regular sessions over a 6 month period to support youth workers in their roles, acting as a sounding board, as an encourager to make small changes or to think different things through. If you’re interested in mentoring or having conversations about the themes from the book then I am available for book clubs, for resourcing and reflecting with your team or for encouraging youth workers to consider the impact of this pandemic and how we can move forward. Do get in touch on Jennitalks@gmail.com

This episode is a conversation with one of the youth work organisations that feature in the book: the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Youth Interventions Team. Charlie contacted me when she saw a plea on Facebook! I was so taken with what they are doing, my own roots are in intervention work in schools so I immediately recognised the value of what they have been doing and the creativity involved in taking a very hands on approach to moving their work online during the pandemic. These guys are one of only a few organisations who have found success in using video calling to build group relationships and dynamics, finding that it really works for the young people who come to them.

I hope you enjoy this and share the joy with others too!