Ever wondered what youth workers do every day?
Meet Louise — one of our Oasis Parent and Carer Support Workers. Louise works with young people and families to help them thrive. At Oasis we know that transformative youth work is never just about helping young people in isolation; it’s about building wider relationships and networks as well as supporting families. It’s about community.
No two days are ever the same in my role, but they all share one thing in common, a focus on families. Each day, I have the privilege of supporting families who are navigating the ups and downs of raising children with challenging behaviours, complex circumstances and diagnosed or undiagnosed additional needs.
Although my work takes me across the whole of Greater Manchester, a large portion of my work is centred around Wigan. I’m incredibly proud of the work I do here and the links I have strengthened across the community. Every day, I get to stand alongside parents/carers and young people who are doing their best in difficult circumstances and to see how, with the right support, families begin to find hope again.
I work in Wigan where there is a strong sense of community. People look out for one another, and that’s what makes this work so special. When I meet parents through our Oasis Encounter programme that I lead, the SEND or EBSA support groups I run at local events, or in schools, I’m reminded how resilient and caring this community is.
It’s an honour to be part of something that genuinely changes lives.
What means the most to me is seeing confidence grow, that moment when someone realises, they can advocate for themselves or their child, that they do have a voice, and that there are people who will listen. Whether it’s helping a family understand the EHCP process, supporting them through meetings, or just offering a safe space to talk, those small steps often lead to the biggest changes.
I’ve seen people go from feeling isolated and unheard to sitting in meetings with schools and saying, “I know what me and my child need.” That’s what this work is about, empowerment, not dependency.
Working in Wigan also means collaborating with some amazing partners, from schools and youth services to community hubs and Forums. Everyone shares the same goal: giving young people and their families the best possible start.
Here’s what one of my recent days looked like…
8:30 AM: Wigan Schools Forum Celebration Event
I start my morning at the Wigan Schools Forum Celebration Event, a brilliant opportunity to connect with local schools, professionals, and community partners. I meet with these services on Microsoft Teams every term, but it is also so lovely to be with everyone in person. The energy in the room is positive; everyone is there because they care about giving children and families the best possible support.
I chat with SENCOs, headteachers, and local authority staff about the work we’re doing through Oasis GM PACS. It’s lovely to share how our family support approach helps families feel heard and empowered and how that in turn helps schools build stronger relationships with them. Seeing how many people are committed to making a difference reminds me why collaboration is at the heart of what we do at Oasis.
12:00 PM: Casework Check-Ins
Back at my desk, I spend some time checking in with families I’m currently supporting. Each one is different, some are waiting for assessment outcomes, others are struggling with attendance or behavioural challenges at school.
I make a few phone calls, update case notes, and send follow-up emails with links to resources and local support. I have an email from a social worker who would like to discuss two families she thinks would benefit from our support. We have a chat/check-in and I talk her through the referral process.
It might not sound glamorous, but these small, consistent check-ins make such a difference. For many, it’s knowing that someone is in their corner, someone who listens without judgement and helps them navigate next steps.
13:30 PM: Planning My EHCP Information Webinar
I log on to plan session 3 of my EHCP (Education, Health & Care Plan) Information Webinars, which I’ve designed for parents/carers and young people who are finding the system difficult to navigate. Session 3 is all about appeals, mediations, and tribunals!
I have already delivered the first two sessions, and I love seeing so many families accessing such valuable information. I talk through the process step by step from what an EHCP is, to how to apply, what evidence to include, and how to make sure their child’s voice is heard.
I always remind parents: “You are the expert in your child. You are not being pushy when you speak up for your child’s needs. You are being a parent and that’s something to be proud of – knowledge is power!”
I finalise my presentation ready for Monday morning and create the handouts ready to be sent to attendees. As an ex-teacher, this is right up my street!
5:00 PM: Wrapping Up and Reflecting
Before I finish for the day, I log my notes and send a few follow-up messages. I send links to resources, reminders about upcoming sessions, and words of encouragement.
It’s been a full day, connecting, teaching, listening, learning and I leave feeling proud of what we’ve achieved together. My role can be busy and sometimes emotionally demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I had confirmation today that two of my young people have had their draft EHCP’s sent through!
Every time a parent or young person tells me they feel heard, supported, or a little more confident, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
In youth and family work, collaboration isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Families rarely face one challenge in isolation. School struggles, emotional wellbeing, behaviour, housing, or access to specialist support are all connected. When services, schools, and community groups work together, we create a safety net around families rather than a maze for them to navigate.
How amazing is my job!
