Course overview
Wellbeing – Introduction to Youthwork and Playworker Pathway City of Bristol CollegeCo-designed in partnership with the Bristol Play and Youth Alliance, this course provides an exciting pathway into the Play and Youth Sector in Bristol. Developed alongside local organisations within the sector, the course is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge and practical experience needed to begin a future in play and youth work.
During the course, you will gain hands-on experience working with children and young people aged 8–19. You will be introduced to key elements of play and youth work, with a particular focus on supporting children and young people within community settings across Bristol.
A key part of the programme is the Level 2 Diploma in Understanding Children & Young People’s Mental Health. This qualification will help you to develop an understanding of the factors that can affect young people’s mental health and wellbeing, how to recognise potential signs of mental health concerns and ways to support positive emotional wellbeing in children and young people.
A strong emphasis is placed on real-world learning. Throughout the programme, you will take part in practical delivery opportunities across the city, allowing you to apply your learning in authentic environments and build confidence working directly with young people.
By the end of the course, you will have developed a solid foundation of knowledge, practical skills and local sector connections, helping to prepare you for future opportunities within Bristol’s Play and Youth Sector.
Dates and applications
Please hover over the ‘i’ button to find out more about course fees and applications.
| Course Code | Dates | Days | Hours per week | Start Time | Location | Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZS-MENL2-04X/FC01 | 07/09/2026 - 30/06/2027 | Date/Day(s) Being Finalised | 10.00 | Enquire | SBSA and Construction Centre |
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
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Apply |
Additional information
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for 16–18 year olds who are interested in working with children and young people and want to explore a future in youth work or play work.
It is ideal for learners who enjoy working with others, are interested in community-based work and want to develop the skills needed to support young people in positive and meaningful ways. Alongside the main course, students will have the opportunity to retake GCSE Maths and/or English, helping them to achieve these essential qualifications while continuing their studies in the play and youth sector.
This programme is particularly suited to young people who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, enjoy practical learning and want to gain real experience working with children and young people aged 8–19 while developing their knowledge of youth work, play work and young people’s mental health.
What you'll learn
You will:
– Understand children and young people’s mental health in context.
– Learn about the concept of mental health, how attitudes towards mental health have changed over time, and the legislation and guidance that supports children and young people’s mental wellbeing.
– Understand factors which may affect children and young people’s mental health.
– Explore risk factors that may impact young people’s mental health, including life experiences, bullying, abuse and the effects of puberty and developmental changes.
– Understand children and young people’s mental health concerns.
– Identify behaviours that may indicate a mental health concern and learn about common mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety and depression.
– Understand the impact of children and young people’s mental health concerns.
– Examine how mental health challenges can affect children, young people, families and communities and why diagnosis and support can be important.
– Understand how to support children and young people with mental health concerns.
– Learn about person-centred approaches, ways to promote positive mental wellbeing and the services and support available to help children and young people.
Alongside these units, you will also gain practical experience in play and youth work, developing communication and teamwork skills while working with children and young people across community settings in Bristol.
Course entry requirements
4 GCSES at grade 3 or above, including Maths and English.
How is the course delivered and assessed?
The course is delivered and assessed via practical assessments and written assignments.
Future career and study opportunities
– Level 3 youth work once turned 19
– AAQ- Mental health pathway route package
– Level 3 Community Health and Wellbeing Worker apprenticeship routes
– Further work-based opportunities for individuals who show a keen desire to work in play and youth work when on the community placements
