A day in the life: Lancs youth workers lift the lid on how they're helping people overcome mental health struggles

Danni, a youth work mentor in Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley, began receiving support from youth workers while still at school. 

She found the experience such a lifeline that she got involved in volunteering in SEND groups and youth support work.  

The 28-year-old said: "Being a teenager isn't easy, and I dealt with my own issues, which my youth workers mentored me through. 

"I now support young people facing challenges from trauma and exclusion to exploitation and mental health struggles. 

"I love my job, it’s a mixture of challenges and mentorship and I know I am making a positive difference to young people's lives. 

"I've supported one young person who was isolated in their room due to mental health struggles. They had not attended school, and their health was declining.  

"Thanks to the support, they have since completed assessments and have an ECHP and are attending a SEND college, and also now have a small circle of friends." 

In Lancashire, children and young people aged 0-19 years old, and those aged up to 25 who are care leavers or have special needs or a disability, make up almost a quarter of the population. For these young people, youth workers can be a lifeline. 

Fylde and Wyre based youth worker Jas began receiving support herself at the age of just seven and became inspired to help others in the same way.  

She said: "As a young person, I faced many challenges at home that made me not want to be there. When I was just 7 years old, I joined a youth club - and it quickly became a safe place for me. Over time, it felt more like home than my actual house. 

"My youth worker played a huge role in my life. He guided and supported me through difficult times, helping me grow and believe in myself. The club gave me the chance to thrive, have fun, and discover my potential. I was offered training opportunities, became a peer educator, volunteered, and eventually secured my first youth work job with the Boys and Girls Club."

Similarly, assistant youth support worker Paige was 15 when she began coming to a youth group every Friday evening in Leyland.  

When her 24-year-old cousin passed away suddenly from a cardiac arrest, Paige turned to them to help her grieve and eventually began helping others through the Lancashire Volunteer Partnership and other groups.  

Paige said: "I was shocked, saddened and confused. I used to spend lots of time on a Friday talking to my youth workers, who let me talk about how I was feeling. I appreciated this because my family don't really talk about feelings so it was good to have people who I could off load to.

"We planned a sponsored walk and a 3-day residential to raise money for a charity called CRY, which raises awareness of cardiac arrests in the young. We managed to raise over £200 for the charity, this made me feel better about what had happened to my cousin. 

"I liked working with the group of young people who have additional needs, and I enjoyed supporting them to take part in a wide range of activities and getting them involved, rather than them just doing their own thing. Once they do have a go at things, they enjoy it, and it builds their communication skills and self-esteem and confidence.

"I felt like I learned a lot about youth work, and how to talk to different young people and encourage them to take part in activities that will help them stay safe and make new friends.

"Youth work to me means being there to support young people, being able to build positive relationships, helping young people with personal problems, providing them with opportunities, having fun, taking part in activities, helping young people build their confidence and self-esteem, skills and knowledge."

Meanwhile, former teacher Chloe originally worked with children and young people in settings including SEND and Pupil Referral Units.  

Chloe said: "I supported students with complex needs, often shaped by trauma, exclusion, and unmet emotional challenges. It was in these environments that I began to see the transformative power of relationships, trust, and tailored support. 

"I wanted to be part of their journey, not just academically, but emotionally and socially.  Youth work has given me the opportunity to support young people in navigating life’s challenges, building resilience, and finding their voice. It’s a role I’m proud to hold, and I’m excited to continue making a difference - one relationship at a time." 

Danni agrees, adding: "Being able to adapt sessions and be trauma informed can really change young people's lives. Every young person deserves someone who believes in them and youth work makes that belief visible." 

County Councillor Simon Evans, cabinet member for Children and Families, said: "The voices of children and young people lie at the heart of everything we do. It's essential for those who use our services to have the freedom to express themselves, feel actively involved and crucially, get the chance to influence the decisions that affect their lives. 

"This is all about showing how youth work helps create spaces where young people feel safe, accepted and able to grow, and how youth workers are skilled at providing a listening ear when young people need a trusted adult to talk to, making them feel valued, as well as opening up doors to new opportunities which can change their lives." 

To find out about what's on offer for children and young people at your local Family Hub & Zone, visit Lancashire Family Hubs Network - Lancashire County Council, and to find out more about how to get involved in youth work, visit Careers in Children's Services - Lancashire County Council