Who We Are

The Confederation of Heads of Young People’s Services (CHYPS), represents the interests and advocates on behalf of all those who deliver, manage and commission youth work and are responsible the effective delivery of all elements of Youth Support Services.

CHYPS’ key function is to represent its members at both a national and local level to influence policy, campaign and to champion the cause of good quality youth work. It does this through the maintenance and development of a national and regional infrastructure

CHYPS works with partners engaged in youth work delivery, and with those campaigning to protect youth work in future. It places value on its relationship with its members and works in partnership with national partners to secure the best possible outcomes for young people

CHYPS key principles are:

• Placing the needs and aspirations of young people as core to our function

• Supporting the delivery of Government youth policy for the benefit of young people

•  Improving outcomes for young people

•  Promoting young people’s voice

•  Young people’s voluntary engagement in learning experiences

•  Young people’s personal and social development

•  Young people’s positive contribution to their communities

• Promoting and securing the contribution of youth work

CHYPS believes that

Young People should:

• have the opportunity to engage in a range of activities in their area

• be able to access the services they need

• have someone to go to for information advice guidance or support

• be able to contribute to their community as full partners and citizens

• fully enjoy their teenage years

• gain new knowledge, experiences and new skills

Good Youth Work:

• develops the ability of young people to think for themselves, provide opportunities for them to shape their own futures and to act for others.

• services focus directly on the needs and interests of the ‘whole’ young person. They have no other agenda than to support and develop each young person towards a better future of their own choosing.

• helps young people learn about themselves, others and society, through non-formal educational activities which combine enjoyment, challenge and learning.

• is particularly important in building relationships between generations, in drawing on what people of all ages hold in common, as well as recognising differences in their experiences. Young people have much to gain from inter-generational programmes.

• enables young people to contribute to the Big Society, developing young people  as citizens, and supports them with their volunteering

The Confederation is a company limited by guarantee (company no. 6989477) and a registered charity (registration no. 1135823)