18/06/04 - Developing Youth Work in South Lakeland

Today, Cumbria County Council's South Lakeland local committee agreed to develop youth work in South Lakeland to the tune of £223,000 during 2004/5. The funding constitutes a big commitment to young people in the area.   

£147,000 of the money will be ring fenced for spending on the youth work plan. This is a long term plan for the development of services for young people. £11,655 has also been earmarked for grant support to 8 - 13 year olds. Consultation with young people is very important and the money will enable the establishment of five local youth forums, two school council conferences and a Youth Council. County Councillor Oliver Pearson, South Lakeland local committee chair says,   

"This is a real step forward in developing youth work in Cumbria working in partnership with Connexions and the voluntary sector. It also enables us to build a framework to ensure consultation with young people. A recent conference organised to get the views of young people in South Lakeland was very successful. It highlighted issues that concerned young people such as affordable housing and accessible transport. These views in turn have informed the community strategy for our area."