National Youth Work Week 2023 takes place this week (November 6-12).

Youth Work Week is an annual event, hosted by the National Youth Agency (NYA) and aims to raise awareness of the life-changing difference youth workers have on young people aged between 8 and 25.

The theme this year is youth work in every place and space.

It is a great opportunity for The Door in Stroud to celebrate the variety of youth work taking place across the country, as well as the specific contribution that The Door team has on so many young people in the area.

The Door has been open in Stroud since 1991. As it enters its 33rd year, it is supporting hundreds of young people in six youth clubs, six schools, two churches and out and about in the Stroud and Cotswold districts.

This year, Youth Work Week is focussing on the breadth of youth work taking place across the country: in youth centres; hospitals; outdoor activity centres; cultural spaces; and many more. These are spaces where The Door operates every week, delivering high quality support for young people in the area.

Victoria Robson, CEO of The Door, said: "Last year, we were so proud to be the first organisation in Gloucestershire to be awarded the Quality Mark by the NYA, in recognition of The Door being a youth work agency of national standard, aligned to all that the NYA stands for.

"And we are delighted to celebrate all that youth workers across our county do for young people, providing them with safe spaces and being trusted adults, enabling them to achieve their potential."

Chris Scorah, youth work manager, said: "Youth work is all about working with young people to create the conditions where they can thrive - a safe place where they can be the best versions of themselves.

"Whether facing social, economic or geographic barriers to unlocking their potential, we work in those disadvantaged spaces to ensure that no young person is left behind.

"Young people so often don't recognise their own values, talents or gifts. It's our job as youth workers to provide relentless encouragement, building self-esteem and confidence - to help young people be courageous, develop their character and expand their horizons."

The Door is currently on the lookout for new people to join its youth work team in both paid and voluntary roles.