Detached Youth Team continues work through pandemic

August 27, 2020

Workers from the Town Council’s youth service team continue to maintain a presence in Hailsham as lockdown easing continues.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in liaison with Sussex Police and other authorities, Hailsham Youth Service remobilised its detached provision earlier this summer and the success of the detached work, in helping to keep antisocial behaviour low, has resulted in an increase of detached work engagement from three evenings to five evenings a week.

‘Detached’ or outreach youth work – which takes place outdoors
rather than in designated young people’s centres – was stopped when lockdown was announced in March, but youth workers have now returned to outdoor spaces in order to support young people experiencing a range of issues, including mental health, unemployment, isolation and loneliness.

Youth Project Coordinator, Andy Joyes said:  “While the Square Youth Cafe, Monday Youth Club, Friday Night Project and our advisory services
remain closed because of restrictions, Hailsham Youth Service has adapted to ensure that it continues to help young people and the community and ensure they’re safe, following government guidance on social distancing and getting the appropriate support during the pandemic.”

Currently, Hailsham Youth Service’s staff engage in detached work in the evenings from Monday to Friday, with two teams operating at any one time. Staff wear clearly visible youth service branded clothes so they can be found easily and the Service ensures that all detached work is carried out in accordance with social distancing guidelines.

Follow Us