In this podcast Russell chats via skype to Mark McFeeters, Lecturer on Ulster University’s Community Youth Work degree, and Lauren McAreavey, a third year undergraduate on the course.

Among other things they discuss:

* how youth work is distinct from other forms of work/contact with young people* the importance of reflection in youth work* the value external placements bring to the academic training and learning for trainee youth workers

Mark also explains the motive behind setting up the excellent Critical Voice NI website (@criticalvoiceni) which is a relatively new virtual space promoting and developing youth work research, writing and thinking for Northern Ireland. The community and youth work sectors in the UK and Ireland need more sites like it.