I am a qualified Community Learning and Development Practitioner and also a qualified Psychotherapist.
I am 50 years old and I am a lone parent.
I believe that learning is life wide and can and should take place at any point during our lives so this is my time to undertake a doctorate. I was rubbish at school leaving with a couple of Highers, but through determination I gained a place at college and was successful at gaining a Bachelors of Art qualification which enabled me to work for over 3 decades in community work, health development, social policy, youth economy, family work, anti poverty work, outdoor learning.
As an adult I have gained a Masters in Counselling and have been working as Psychotherapist at a time when people need more access to mental health support.
In Sep 23 I started my doctorate to further understand a health & wellbeing area of research which is close to my heart - Youth Work & the Pedagogy of LOVE.
It is so important in todays world that we ensure young people in Scotland have access to learning, information, support and love.
As youth workers we “Enable young people to develop holistically, working with them to facilitate their personal, social and educational development, to enable them to develop their voice, influence and place in society and to reach their full potential.” (NOS 2008)
As youth workers we have what I consider to be LOVE for our clients... but we often call it positive regard, nurturing or care - but isn't it all just LOVE!
Youth workers support young people to:
- Build confidence, self-esteem, and identity. Youth work can encourage young people to interact with others, learn about their own strengths, and gain a sense of accomplishment.
- Develop new or existing skills and abilities. Youth programmes may prompt young people to adopt new hobbies or find new passions. This will in turn help them feel more fulfilled in and positive about life.
- Help young people improve and better understand social relationships, as well as the community and world they live in. Social skills will help them progress in their personal and professional life and form meaningful relationships.
- Give young people the opportunity to be creative and express themselves. They may not be able to do so in school or at home, so this can be incredibly liberating for them and help to build their confidence.
- Help them develop a respect for others, including differences in opinions, beliefs, identities, and values. This can give young people new perceptions that they never considered or were taught, meaning they’ll be more accepting of others.
- Help maintain or achieve positive mental health. By developing all these other aspects, such as confidence, respect, and creativity, young people can feel more fulfilled and self-assured. This will improve young people's mental health and happiness. Furthermore, youth work can provide someone to talk to if young people have concerns or mental health issues. Youth work can also young people to seek external support if they need it.
- Celebrate and nurture young people’s unique strengths and abilities. Young people often compare themselves to others and may feel less capable as a result. Through youth work, you can promote the value of people’s differences and unique strengths. Doing so will help young people realise their potential and feel more confident in themselves.
- Create a sense of community and a positive group atmosphere. This also improves their understanding of interdependence – the idea that different lives interlink and rely on one another in many ways. It can also help them recognise and get involved in issues in society, including local projects and politics.
- Provide a safe, non-judgemental environment. Young people can relax, be themselves, and potentially have an escape from the struggles they face at home or school.
- Develop their decision-making abilities. Youth work can help them think about the consequences of their actions so they can make positive, well-informed choices. This will benefit them in every aspect of their life, from social activities to professional work.
I would like to prove the need and importance LOVE within Youth Work and that the professional relationships young people have with Youth Workers is key within RSHP. I hope that the research will help to secure Youth Work and an understanding and comfortable acceptance of the concept of professional LOVE.
My Pledge
All funds raised will go towards paying for the PHD fees. If for any reason the PHD doesn't progress the remaining funds will be donated publicly to The Corner Youth Project Dundee.