Statement of Youth Work Practice (What we do) The Waterford Youth Information Service aims to enable young people to explore and evaluate life choices by providing reliable and clear and up-to-date information The Youth Information Centre (YIC) provides a free, confidential information service to young people and those who work with them on a wide range of subjects including  European Mobility  Eurodesk & Erasmus+  Employment Matters  Financial Matters  Coping with Unemployment  Local Community Services & Facilities  Entertainment / Recreation  Organisations and Clubs  Legal Matters  Accommodation  Travel at home & abroad  Consumer Affairs  Rights and Entitlements  Sport & Leisure  Youth Health & Mental Health  Education & Training  Voluntary Work  Family / Personal Problems  Migration  Careers  Youth Work  Facilities for Young People The service has a unique approach that makes it different from other similar services, in that it is designed for and with young people, is based on the needs and questions of young people and primarily seeks to respond to these. Services are delivered in a variety of settings, using a range of approaches and using the model of Youth/Adult partnership. The important element of the Youth Information Centre is that it acts as a first point of contact for a young person; it will identify where help can be found and will support the young person in availing of that help. The Youth Information Centre operates from a model of youth participation and social education and enables young people to make realistic and responsible decisions about their lives, develop their skills and abilities, avail of services, facilities and opportunities and solve problems. (Why we do it) Youth Information is a specialised form of youth work provision whose vision is to engage young people in positive relationships to empower them to make informed decisions and positive life choices based on good quality information that is age appropriate and enables young people to participate in society and develop social analysis skills. Essentially, youth information is about helping young people to identify their own resources, take their own actions and make their own decisions. (Who is it for and with?) The service is for all young people in the community but more specifically targeted at 10-25 year olds, with a focus on the transitional years between 16 and 19, when young people develop from child to adult. The YIC also provides parents, youth leaders and those whom young people turn to for assistance with the necessary information to enable them to respond effectively. The YIC continually develops contacts and co-operation with relevant youth-related services in its locality, nationally and internationally – to be able to offer the best possible and most comprehensive service to young people. (How we do it) The YIC operates a “One Stop Shop” approach where all the information is available under one roof. The work of the YIC is carried out through the provision of a person-centred service, which is: needs driven, generalist, confidential, non-directive, non-judgmental, non-political and well publicised. The YIC is committed to equality of access through an open door policy and active and pro-active targeted engagement of minority and marginalized young people. A variety of outreach and promotional activities are also provided, bringing information to young people through information points, workshops, schools, seminars, publications, exhibitions, local radio and press. In-Centre services are provided in a warm, informal and welcoming atmosphere, which encourages the active participation of the young person at all stages in the process, in a manner which helps develop their personal resourcefulness. The information process, which involves a sympathetic and supportive intermediary (an information worker), involves helping the young person: • to locate and interpret the relevant information; • to understand the options available as well as the likely outcomes and risks involved in each considered alternative; • to apply the information to her/his own circumstances so that s/he can decide on an appropriate course of action. This approach personalises the reception of each user, enables them to have a maximum of choice, in a way which respects her / his autonomy, and anonymity. Supportive helping relationships are developed between staff and young people, based on their voluntary participation. There is a focus on involving volunteers from the local community in the development and delivery of services Youth information is not merely about handing out information or facts but also, through dialogue and observation as well as through sensitive and sympathetic handling, involves uncovering the real needs of the enquirer and looking beyond the initial request for other related needs which may not be articulated. This is especially the case with young people who are less comfortable talking about personal concerns or from more disadvantaged backgrounds. Additional support services are available in YICs to help and support young people such as: • CV preparation service • Photocopying and typing services • Youth Discount Cards • Supervised free Internet Access • Driver Theory Practice for young people • In-House Publications, - detailing, supports available to young people • Eurodesk - Access to Information in Opportunities in Europe A visit to a youth information Centre may result in: a new interest or hobby, a useful contact, an unexpected opportunity, a problem solved (Where we do it) The Youth Information Service is delivered through a shop fronted, ground floor, purpose-designed Youth Information Centre based in Waterford City Centre.