Group Work

Youth Support Coordinators facilitate group work with young people in schools in order to meet a range of needs. For the duration of the group work, young people work with the YSC and their peers to explore issues that are impacting upon them, some of which could be impacting the young person's ability to stay engaged in school/TAFE. 

Examples of issues that have been explored in group work include family conflict, independent living, personal relationships and self esteem. The YSC can facilitate the creation of connections between group members, and support them to identify and implement strategies that can address the issues at hand.

Group work, in my experience, is useful when young people are sharing their stories, it can normalise their experiences for them and for the whole group. Group work is also a great way for young people to create new relationships in a supportive environment.

YSC, 2005

YSCs may also assist with group work that is part of a 'whole of school' approach to create safe communities for optimal learning.  In these instances, YSCs may work in partnership with other school staff. Some examples of such group work includes groups focusing on protective behaviours, bullying and well being.

Group work provides an opportunity for people to come together to share ideas, thoughts, and opinions in an environment that is safe. It enables people time to explore and test out strategies for dealing with issues. It often allows people to develop a sense that they are not alone and that in fact their experiences are parallel with that of others. Group work can assist people to develop a connection with other members in the group, this connection may then become a source of support.

In a schools context, group work allows young people to explore a range of issues that they otherwise may not have an opportunity to.

From Resource - Young women in schools—a group work process
Community Connections, 1999

YSC Group Work Data