Why Training Week Matters at Youth Moves and 224
At Youth Moves, we know that the heart of great youth work is our people, the dedicated youth workers who show up every day to support, challenge, and inspire young people. That’s why, every year, we take time out of delivery to invest in our team through Training Week.
This year’s Training Week (Monday 8th – Friday 12th September) was more than just professional development. It was a chance for us to pause, reflect, and reset as we prepare for the transition into 224 Youth Zone.
Building Skills and Confidence
Across the week, our team took part in a variety of training sessions designed to deepen skills and strengthen practice. From Anti-Oppressive Practice and Reflective Practice training with Caroline Down from Plymouth Marjon University, to CPD in areas such as sexual health in the community andsite visits to plan future trips to ensure the safety of our young people, these sessions are rooted in the Youth Work Curriculum and National Occupational Standards, ensuring our practice is both reflective and evidence based. This alignment means our staff are not only gaining new skills, but also embedding approaches that are recognised as best practice across the sector.
Strengthening How We Work Together
Youth work is relational, not just with young people, but within our own teams. That’s why Training Week also includes time for operational reflection, summer programme reviews, and planning sessions. These moments are vital for us to step back, learn from experience, and re-clarify what quality youth work practice looks like at Youth Moves. It’s also about team building and connection, whether through a group walk at Barton Camp or a relaxed staff social at the end of the week.
Preparing for the Future
As we move closer to the opening of 224 Youth Zone in Spring 2026, Training Week gives us space to shape the culture we want to take with us into this new chapter. It allows us to reconnect with our values, align on expectations, and make sure that the quality of youth work we deliver is the very best it can be.
A Shared Commitment
Training Week is not just about training. It’s about investing in people,ensuring that every youth worker at Youth Moves feels valued, supported, and ready to do their best work. Ultimately, the impact of this investment is felt by the young people we serve. Stronger, more confident teams mean more opportunities, better support, and greater outcomes for young people across South Bristol.
The team are super charged to come back this week and ready to return to running sessions for our wonderful young people!