This online event explores the potential overlaps and intersections in services provided to children and young people in the UK, focusing on the perspectives of playworkers and youth workers. While both professions aim to support the development and well-being of young people, they often operate within distinct frameworks, with youth work typically emphasising personal and social development and playwork prioritising the facilitation of play in safe environments.

The targeted age range for playwork and youth work could be perceived to be confusing. Play England describe how play in all neighbourhoods should have places and spaces for children and young people to play. The National Youth Agency describe how youth work should be offered to 8-19 years (and up to 25 years for young adults with additional needs). This suggests there are significant overlaps in terms of who playworkers and youth workers are wanting to engage with, requiring a better understanding of where the two professions share many values and where certain aspects may be more distinctive.

This session will provide delegates with the opportunity to explore how professional roles are perceived, the boundaries of their practice, and the areas where their work intersects or duplicates. It will consider where there are clear areas of collaboration and where there might be confusion or issues due to a lack of clear role delineation. Areas of overlap can lead to challenges in service delivery, particularly in multi-agency settings, where coordination and clarity of roles are crucial. The session will conclude with recommendations for policy and practice to better integrate these services, thereby enhancing the support provided to children and young people in the UK.

Draft Programme

10:00pm          Welcome and Introduction; Fiona Cullen, Mike Seal, Tina Salter

10:15pm          Playwork and Youth Work from a Youth Work Perspective; Gemma
                           Lockyer Turnbull, Deputy CEO at NE Youth and PhD Student at
                           Northumbria University

10:30pm          Playwork and Youth Work from a Playwork Perspective; Dr Ali Long and
                            Dr Mike Wragg, Leeds Beckett University

10:45pm          Discussion and questions

11:15pm            Closing Remarks; Fiona Cullen, Mike Seal, Tina Salter

11:30pm            Close of Event