Communities across Wiltshire are being consulted on what youth activities they would like in their local communities as part of a wide-ranging review. Cllr Richard Gamble, Portfolio Holder for Schools, Skills and Youth, will present details of the review being undertaken.
Minutes:
Cllr Richard Gamble, Portfolio Holder for Schools, Skills & Youth gave a presentation on the Youth Activity Review currently being undertaken.
He explained that the presentation had been requested by the Area Board to draw attention to the formal consultation process and to seek the views of the local community. He stated that his presentation would cover:
• Background to Review
• The need for change
• The key drivers
• The four proposed options
• The consultation process – how to feedback
• Future provision – the aims and outcomes
• Questions and answers
Background Information
• Report to Cabinet – 21 January
• Need to respond to changing needs of young people
• 10 years since service established
• Lives of young people changed considerably
• Need to target support to those that need it most
• Currently minority of young people access council provision
• Many others access voluntary, community or commercial outlets
• Campuses provide new opportunities - first campus opens in Corsham - June 2014
• Budget set 25 Feb – Integrated Youth Service projected saving of approx £191,000
Why do we need to review?
• Statutory duty to secure access to leisure-time activities for young people
• Currently, provided through a range of services including open access youth development service across the county - mix of centre and street-based youth work
• Department for Education updated statutory guidance:-
• new focus for councils - to enable services, rather than direct provision
• enhanced role for voluntary and community sector
Current youth activities in the Westbury Community Area
• Number of young people – 1,689
• Amount allocated for young people initiatives 2012/13 - £4,043 – actual spend £13,310
Projects supported include;
• Keep fit activity equipment in Grassacres Park
• Minibus for Air Cadets
• Skate ramp in Bratton
• Outdoor leisure facilities Dilton Marsh
Consulting on 4 Options
• Future provision will offer sustainable help, support and resource to target the young people who need it most
• Provide the opportunity for more young people to access activities.
1. Retain the current in-house service but reduce the cost
2. Outsource the service
3. Encourage and support staff to form a Public Service Mutual
4. Develop a community led approach
The Consultation Process
• Started Friday 31 January – for 10 weeks
• Widely publicised;
• Schools, focus groups, young people’s groups, staff, communities, stakeholders
• 20,000 text messages to young people linking to survey
• Voluntary and community services
• Channels include website, Sparksite, facebook, twitter, media
• Final report for future provision – cabinet on 15 May
Future Provision – The Outcomes
• A better service for young people
• Young people have greater influence on the local provision they want and need
• Resources and funding targeted to those who need it most
• Vulnerable young people will continue to be protected – safeguarding a top priority
• Youth services will continue but delivered in a different way
• Better value for money and use of resources
• Campus programme will improve future environment
• Provision reflects revised government guidance
Read more: http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/latestnews.htm?aid=149213
During discussion it was pointed out that it was most important that the needs of those who currently attended youth service activities were safeguarded. Some of these young people felt somewhat vulnerable and relied on these services to make and maintain friendships.
It was suggested that the continued use of the Youth Centre be maintained but it was appreciated that what was most important was the provision of good youth services rather than the continued use of a particular building.
After further discussion
AGREED:
(1) To support Option 1 – Retain the current in-house service but reduce value, for the future of the Youth Development Service.
(A majority of the councillors supported this.)
(2) To request Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet to ensure that the current youth services in Westbury are maintained until the Westbury Campus is provided, should it be agreed that these services will be provided from the new Campus.
(The support for this was unanimous among the councillors)
The Chairman thanked Cllr Richard Gamble for his presentation and attending the meeting.