Detached Youth WorkTim Elgar

engaging young people where they choose to meet

‘The gospel must relate to the context we are in. In a middle class environment this can, acceptably, be more intellectual, more personal, but in a different environment where injustice, oppression, and poverty abound – gospel must speak to all of this as well – we can’t just say ‘Turn to Jesus and everything will be fine’ – Pip Wilson, Gutter Feelings

1. Observation1. Observation

2. Preparation

3. Cold Contact

4. Developing relationships

5. Responding to the needs of the area or peer groups

The beauty of detached work is its unpredictable nature and rawness. Strangely, it provides the right environment for natural relationships to occur between supportive adults and young people.

The nature of detached youth work means you will need to work very hard to do what is appropriate and reflect on each encounter as it happens.

Guidelines to doing this as safely as possible:* Identification to be carried at all times, think about how you will be perceived.* Minimum of two competent adults (weigh up risk)* Accountability – check in and confirm safely home * Route pre-planned* Debrief, record incidents and learn* Ensure volunteers are trained and have done some basic training* Constant risk assessment – if it feels unsafe, walk away* Remain professional (particularly when joining in football)

Recommended Reading – Here be Dragons, Youth work and Mission off the Map, By Richard and Lorimer Passmore (FYT) 2014