Oxygen is a charity for young people that is affiliated to British Youth for Christ. They run projects for young people including; Developing Leaders, a knife crime awareness project and many others, helping improve lives.This Is Local London:  

I interviewed the director of the charity John Trend and asked him questions about youth work.

  1. what inspired you to work with youth? - "My faith has inspired me to want to help those who struggle with challenges in life. Loosing my dad to leukemia at the age of 16 made me realise how important it is to have people who can support you in difficult times."
  2. How long have you been working with youth? - "since I was 17 years old, I set up a detached youth project for young people in my local village."
  3. what is the best thing about working around kingston?- "Kingston is such a vibrant and exiting place that offers young people huge pathways for their future so its a great place for inspiring young people. However It is hard trying to convince a person that they can change their outcomes, they are often held back by low expectations. But ultimately it's amazing being able to make a difference."
  4.  What do you look for in a good youth worker? "someone who is passionate about youth and empathetic, creative, and a good communicator."
  5. why should others be encouraged to persue a career in youth work? "It is highly rewarding and involves taking young people away on residentials to exiting places. You have to think on your feet and be a role model, getting to change other peoples lives everyday."