Oasis Youth Workers are incredible people who invest their time, energy, and care into helping young people thrive and reach their full potential. We spoke with Haley Mason, Youth Development Worker at Oasis Isle of Sheppey, about her experience as a youth worker — the highs, the lows and the most transformative moments.
Why did you become a youth worker?
There’s a quote by Jessica Jocelyn that really resonates with me: “I didn’t come from some place safe, so I became one.” My childhood wasn’t always easy, but I was lucky enough to have a few trusted adults who showed up for me when it mattered most. They saw potential in me even when I couldn’t, and that made all the difference. Those experiences taught me how powerful it can be to have even just one person in your corner who genuinely believes in you.
I became a youth worker because I wanted to be that steady, safe presence for someone else. Too often young people are overlooked or underestimated. They are labelled “bad” or “naughty” or “difficult” until they believe it themselves, and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. By carving space for young people to feel seen and supported, you change the narrative. Young people begin to define themselves not by where they’ve come from, but by where they’re going next.
What’s the best part of the role?
I love planting small seeds with bits of advice, encouragement and perspective, to later watch young people grow. There’s magic in those quiet, powerful moments when you see something click. I get to watch the shift in real time when a young person takes something we’ve talked about and puts it into practice. Maybe it’s the quiet kid gaining enough confidence to take the lead in a group activity. Or it could be a historically volatile young person choosing to walk away from conflict. These moments are the best part of my role.
Nothing compares to the pride I feel watching young people achieve something they once thought was out of reach. As my mum likes to say, “You can’t change the world, but you can change someone’s world.” And that’s exactly what youth work is all about.
What’s the most challenging part?
The most challenging part of my role is knowing that I can’t fix everything. I can offer guidance, consistency and care – but ultimately, I have no control over what happens outside of the Hub.
Empathy isn’t 9-5. I genuinely care for our young people, and that doesn’t end just because the workday does. When you want the best for them it’s hard not to worry — that kind of care doesn’t come with an off switch.
Over time, I’ve had to learn that holding hope doesn’t mean carrying every burden. It’s about showing up, doing what you can and trusting that the young people will take what we’ve practiced together and carry it forward in their own lives.
How has being a youth worker changed you?
Being a youth worker has changed me for the better. Every day brings new challenges, and with them, new lessons in empathy, problem-solving and perseverance. I’ve become more patient, more grounded and more aware of how powerful quiet consistency can be. Working with young people has taught me that change isn’t always about dramatic, big moments – it’s often a slow burn that happens when you show up week after week, until something sticks.
Working with young people has taught me that change isn’t always about dramatic, big moments – it’s often a slow burn that happens when you show up week after week, until something sticks.
But more than anything, it’s given me a deep sense of pride and purpose. I get to be the person I needed growing up; someone who listens, believes and stands in your corner even on the hardest days. That’s not just changed how I work, but who I am at a fundamental level. And I really like that person.
