Wrexham University graduates and staff celebrate Youth Work Week

Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025

The transformative impact of youth work on the lives of children and young people is being celebrated by Wrexham University graduates and staff, as part of Youth Work Week 2025.

The annual celebration of the profession, which is taking place until next Monday, June 30, shines a light on those working in youth work through organisations, local authorities, practitioners, youth clubs, leaders, and young people.

To mark this year’s event and its theme of ‘Celebration of Youth Work’, students and staff have shared their experiences and insights, as well as why youth work is such a rewarding profession.

Tricia Jones, who is graduating from the University later this year after studying for a degree in Youth and Community Work, leads youth voice and participation work for Wrexham Council.

Tricia said her experience of youth work as a teenager has had a “profound and lasting impact” on her life and career path.

“My journey into the world of youth work started because of broken streetlights – my friends and I couldn’t see the path in the dark on the way home, so I wanted it sorting, so I approached my Youth Worker and that’s where my journey began,” she said.

“That was my first experience at the age of 14 – and it’s had such a profound and lasting impact on me. My Youth Worker was incredible – she really believed in me and made me feel like I could achieve anything, and that’s the type of Youth Worker I try to be.

“Working in youth voice and participation means that I am there to encourage young people to engage and use their voice to make things better in their local community, I am here to advocate for them.”

Sarah O’Mahony, who has recently completed her Masters in Youth and Community Work, works as a Youth Worker for Denbighshire County Council and recently had her research paper published in the Youth Academic Journal as part of her final research project during her Masters.

The paper was entitled ‘Food for Thought: Young People and Youth Workers’ Perceptions of Food Insecurity and the Youth Work Response’.

She said: “I am enormously proud of the profession and the impact we make as individuals on the lives of young people, in helping them to reach their full potential. I am passionate about what I do because I know that every day I’m making a positive difference.

“It was also an immense privilege to have my research paper published and see how the voices of young people has helped make lasting change for young people experiencing food insecurity."

Hayley Douglas, Senior Lecturer in Youth and Community Work at the University, said: “My colleagues and I have the fantastic privilege of educating and training the Youth Workers of the future – and it’s the ultimate reward as a Lecturer to see our graduates go onto flourish and make a difference to the young people that they work with.  

“Both Tricia and Sarah are just some of the excellent examples of our graduates, who are doing some valuable work in their communities – and we are thrilled to be able to celebrate them during Youth Work Week.”

Dr Simon Stewart, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Life Sciences, who is an experienced Youth Worker, added: “This Youth Work Week, we at the University, are thrilled to be highlighting the transformative impact of youth work.

“Youth work truly is one of the most rewarding professions because it allows the Youth Worker to support young people during some of the most formative years of their lives.

“As a Youth Worker, you have the privilege of becoming a trusted guide and advocate, helping them to build confidence, overcome obstacles and discover their potential. The impact they make not only shapes young people’s futures but also contributes to stronger, more resilient communities.”

Photo caption: Graduates Sarah O’Mahony and Tricia Jones