Cardiff Youth Service Youth Work Strategy 2026-2031
About
Cardiff Youth Service has set out an ambitious new five-year strategy for Youth Work, reinforcing our commitment to supporting young people both in schools and at the heart of local communities across the city. We recognise the vital role that youth work plays in helping young people feel safe, supported and able to thrive, particularly at a time when many are facing increasing pressures linked to poverty, wellbeing and educational engagement.
At the core our strategy is an integrated, locality-based approach, ensuring that every part of Cardiff benefits from consistent, high-quality youth work. This means the same qualified Youth Workers and Youth Support Workers who provide targeted help within school settings are also visible and accessible in community spaces, youth centres and on the streets – including evenings, weekends and school holidays, when young people often need support the most.
The five-year strategy has been shaped by extensive consultation with young people, communities and partners. Thousands of young people shared their views on what support they value most – from having someone to talk to, to feeling safe in their community and knowing where to find help when they need it. These insights are central to how services will continue to evolve over the coming years.
Access the Strategy and young person friendly here here on this link:
(Main Strategy document best viewed across two pages, with the front cover displayed separately).
WHAT IS YOUTH WORK?
‘To 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’. (National Occupational Standards)
Youth Work isn’t just a list of statements or promises, it’s about building strong, trusting relationships with young people. It starts with a voluntary relationship —young people choose to take part. Young people help shape the work through co-production, meaning they’re involved in decisions and actions.
We want all young people in Cardiff to have access to qualified, registered Youth Workers who provide consistent, high‑quality support. Youth Work should be accessible and inclusive, ensuring every young person—regardless of background or circumstance can benefit from the opportunities it offers. Evidence from young people and wider stakeholders shows that Youth Work plays a significant role in improving their wellbeing, confidence and engagement both in school and in their communities.
As part of the education family, Youth Work is integral to supporting young people’s learning. By working alongside schools, Youth Workers help create meaningful learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom. When young people attend school regularly, they are safer, more connected and better able to thrive. Youth Work contributes directly to this by supporting improved attendance, engagement and attitudes to learning.
Welsh Government has introduced a national framework outlining how each local authority should work alongside voluntary organisations and wider partners to deliver high‑quality youth work for young people in their area. Central to this framework is the requirement for every local authority to develop a five‑year Youth Work Strategic Plan. Each plan must set out the local authority’s priorities and objectives for youth work, with progress reported on annually. Cardiff Youth Service will be working with partners, stakeholders, and—most importantly—young people to co‑create Cardiff’s five‑year strategic plan.
More information about the Welsh Government’s strategic framework can be found here: Youth work in Wales: delivering for young people [HTML] | GOV.WALES
Participation - Youth participation means young people having a say in decisions that affect their lives. We will seek out the views of vulnerable and marginalised young people and develop their capacity to have a voice.
Inclusion - Inclusion means making sure all young people feel able to take part. It’s about removing barriers so everyone can access opportunities, regardless of background or circumstances. We will develop a sense of belonging and association for young people.
Collaboration - Collaboration means working together with others to support young people. It’s about sharing ideas, resources, and responsibilities to achieve better outcomes for young people.
Sustainability - Sustainable Youth Work means creating long-lasting, adaptable, and impactful youth services that can meet the needs of young people now and in the future. Ensuring we make decisions that maximise resources is essential.
Resilience - It is about the ability to cope with challenges, bounce-back from setbacks, and adapt to change. We will develop capacity in young people to manage the transitions in their lives.
Our values outline why we do what we do. We are always striving to put young people at the centre of what we do and work with them as equal partners.
English 
Welsh