Providing support to young people through groupwork
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1921/gpwk.v20i1.690Keywords:
<i>Personal Learning and Development (PLD)</i>, <i>FAAST model</i>, <i>focus</i>, <i>aim</i>, <i>activities</i>, <i>structure</i>, <i>techniques</i>, <i>groupwork</i>Abstract
A key outcome of support work with young people, it is hoped, is increased self awareness and autonomy on the part of the recipient. Engagement in one-toone interventions with youth support workers can enable this process to take place. However, a valuable alternative approach to the work exists, which focuses on helping young people to enhance their personal learning and development (PLD) in a group interaction.
This chapter will explore how youth support professionals can facilitate PLD effectively in a group context. It focuses on the following:
• Identifying what ‘personal learning and development’ means
• Examining how groupwork can enable young people to learn about themselves, develop greater self awareness and make decisions about their lives
• Evaluating ways in which being part of a group can lead to positive outcomes for individuals
• Analysing the role of the youth support worker in facilitating PLD in the group context
In addition, the chapter offers a model to inform the planning, preparation and delivery of PLD groupwork with young people.