Young people are growing up in a complex and challenging world. There are growing pressures on their mental health and employment prospects, whilst family and relationship breakdowns are impacting the numbers of young people moving into care.
Oxfordshire is experiencing record-high numbers of young people being referred for mental health support, children out of school, and young people at risk of homelessness.
Youth Work is an informal, relational educational practice that supports young people’s personal, social, and educational development by building trust, fostering life skills, and empowering them to reach their potential (NYA). Thousands of young people in Oxfordshire are unable to access this essential and life-changing support. Youth work is often missing from conversations and strategies addressing these challenges.
Oxfordshire Youth is Oxfordshire’s leading youth work charity and, together with our partners, we are committed to ensuring that best practice youth work is fully accessible and available to all young people.
A future in which every young person has the skills, support, and connections they need to thrive.
Through the power of youth work, we transform young people’s lives, unite communities, and tackle inequality of opportunity.
Vice President of Oxfordshire Youth
Since 1947, we have championed the young people of Oxfordshire and seen many generations steer their own lives, and their communities, in amazing directions.
Mike Watkinson M.B.E., Vice President of Oxfordshire Youth, joined as CEO in 1974 and stayed for 30 years. He has also served as treasurer and board member and led many of our greatest achievements.
Watch him here explaining why youth work services remain in such high demand.
Calling all young people in Year 7 to Year 11 in and around Cowley in Oxford. Oxfordshire Youth are launching our weekly Digital Skills Youth Club for you to upgrade your Digital Skills on Monday 4th November 2025. Join our mailing list for this youth club to stay up to date!