Youth work is defined by Youth Borders as:

Youth Work is an educational practice contributing to young people's learning and development and is delivered to 11 to 25 year olds by both paid and professional workers and volunteers, but with a particular emphasis on 12 to 18 year olds.

Youth work engages with young people within their communities; it acknowledges the wider networks of peers, community and culture; it supports the young person to realise their potential and to address life's challenges critically and creatively; it takes account of all strands of diversity. Youth work takes place in a variety of settings including community venues, uniformed groups, schools, youth cafes, and on the street, whilst using numerous approaches such as outdoor pursuits, drama workshops, health initiatives, peer education and single issues and single gender work to engage with young people. 

Purpose of Youth Work

• To build self-esteem and self-confidence
• Develop the ability to manage personal and social relationships
• Create learning and develop new skills
• Encourage positive group atmospheres
• Build the capacity of young people to consider risk, make reasoned decisions and take control.
• Develop a 'world view' that widens horizons and invites social commitment.