Working at Swan Youth Project

The Swan Youth Project provides a safe and secure drop-in centre for young people aged 11 - 18 years from the Berkhamsted area to go to every day after school where they can relax, meet friends and have fun. It provides a range of activities in the areas of health, recreation, education, careers and a volunteering scheme for the young people. A more limited programme of events is run during the holidays. There are always at least two youth support workers to oversee sessions, run activities and provide counselling and advice as required. The Project’s aim is to engage with young people, improve their self-confidence, and promote their social, emotional and personal development to gain important life skills while having fun. Staff encourage them to speak up about things that matter to them, provide support and mentoring and encourage them to have a positive impact in their local community.

You will be working with a Manager who oversees the Project and 4-5 other youth support workers.    At each session a minimum of 2 youth workers are needed but if more are available we can run more interesting activities.   Usual hours are 3 - 6 pm 5 days a week, one evening per week 6 -8 pm, one evening per month (often a Friday) to help with Gig Nights and Discos.    

There are occasional day trips in the holidays , visits to Quasar, and a few weekend fundraising events which you will be encouraged to attend.  

Its a really worthwile job, we have some happy customers and look to go from strength to strength in the future.    

"The swan gave me a place where I could comfortably and safely hang out with peers. I met so many wonderful people and secured so many friendships over the 4 years I was a member. I want to thank the swan for shaping me and and mates into the proactive and creative people we are today, and for providing us with so many opportunities where we could express ourselves and be individuals ??"

"The swan youth centre has definitely shaped the way I am today, the trips  and meeting up everyday after school with my friends helped me get a better appreciation for life. Plus the music scene /swan gigs have been killer."

"The Swan Youth Project made a big difference to me in my teenage years, I learned to have the confidence to be myself! I always had somewhere to go, that I felt safe and not judged. There was always something fun / interesting going on that I could take part in, and always someone there to talk to whether it be in general or if I had a problem!"

The duty rota is put togther towards the end of each month so there is flexibilty about the number of hours and when you work.