University to host prestigious youth work conference

The University of Wolverhampton is set to host the Regional Federation for Detached Youth Work Conference next week to bring together youth workers across the West Midlands.

As part of Youth Work Week, The Department for Community Development and Youth Work, in the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, at the University will host the event in partnership with the West Midlands Detached Youth Work Federation, at its City Campus on Saturday 12 November.

The conference, themed 'The detached youth work jigsaw’ will explore the rich and diverse experiences of detached youth work practice in the West Midlands. Local and experienced detached youth workers will deliver workshops to share best practices, as well as reflect on the challenges and motivations that lead their work. 

The key themes to be discussed at the conference include; Adverse childhood experiences, the framework for detached youth work, early intervention and moving forward, the mental health of young people and many more.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from the University’s Community Development and Youth Work Team who will explore the different ways in which youth work, community development and social activism come together.

Dr Opinderjit Kaur Takhar, Head of the Community Development and Youth Work Department, and Director of the Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies at the University of Wolverhampton said: "We're delighted to be hosting this Conference which showcases the importance of detached youth work in our region and the wider West Midlands.

“From September 2023, our new degree 'Community Development and Youth Work' will be delivered by working closely in partnership with the organisations involved in this Conference. It is therefore an honour for us to be hosting this prestigious conference.”

The free event is open to all and will take place at the University’s Millennium City Building and will run from 10.30am until 4.30pm with lunch and refreshments provided.

For more information about the event, please contact Dr Opinderjit Kaur Takhar.