Dave McNicholl is chief executive of Warrington Youth Zone and writes a regular column for the Guardian

Youth Work has many different disciplines and can be delivered in almost any setting, with the key element being choice, the relationship between the young person and the Youth Work is completely voluntary, in that the young person chooses to engage with the worker.

Over recent decades as there have been funding cuts and also as statutory agencies have observed the power of Youth Work some settings have introduced Youth Workers to their work. In some cases, such as Youth Justice, Education and Training settings, it could be argued that the relationship is not a youth work relationship as the young person is mandated or directed to attend the setting.

At Warrington Youth Zone we are open for children and young people every day of the week, every week of the year, for those aged between 7 and 19 years of age, up to 25 for young people with additional needs. Young people are free to access our services and move around the different rooms and activities within the Youth Zone engaging with the various Youth Workers who are facilitating the different sessions.

We have recently secured funding through Warrington Borough Council from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support the delivery of a street-based Youth Work programme. Working in partnership with Warrington Youth Service there will be a team of Youth Workers working in Warrington Town centre and other areas of concern to support children and young people who they meet on the streets and in parks and other public spaces.

Street based Youth Work is an incredibly important approach to engage with young people who are not currently accessing any other services and allows Youth Workers to offer support, information and guidance. In terms of promotion street-based Youth Work is an excellent way to raise awareness with young people of the various services which are available for them across the town.

There are a small minority of young people who may become involved in anti-social behaviour and the street-based Youth Work team can be there to challenge, recommend and advise the young people to reduce the potential for them continuing to behave in a challenging manner.

If you would like more information about Warrington Youth Zone and our activities or if you are involved in a group or club that could support children and young people in a more specialist manner please contact us info@wyz.org.uk call 01925-997271 or visit our website www.warringtonyouthzone.org