The importance of relational practice

A case study by Charlotte Smith, Youth Social Action Apprentice at Long Road Sixth Form College, Luton Sixth Form College and Cambridge Regional College.

Relational practice is a person-centred approach that prioritises building and maintaining meaningful relationships, to empower people and improve wellbeing. Trusting relationships are vital to the delivery and success of social action, especially with young people who are vulnerable and authentic when sharing personal challenges and stresses.

They need to feel a sense of safety to create impactful social action. Throughout my apprenticeship, I have focused on connecting and empowering young people to use their lived experiences to drive positive change and deliver successful youth social action projects. To evidence this point, I asked a variety of students I have worked with over my apprenticeship about how our relationship has impacted the success of youth social action and this is what I discovered.

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