23/03/04 - Council to discuss developing youth work plan for Cumbria

On Thursday 25thMarch at County Offices in Kendal, Cumbria County Council debates the draft Developing Youth Work in Cumbria Plan 2004-2006.  Together with consultation responses from the Council’s six local committees and Scrutiny, Full Council will consider the report so a finalised plan can go forward to Government Office North West.

The County Council now has a statutory duty to provide youth services for 13 – 19 year olds.  The National Youth Agency (NYA) was commissioned by the County Council’s Cabinet to review current youth work provision in the County using the national Ofsted inspection framework.  The NYA’s report suggested models for working in Cumbria for the future to meet the national Transforming Youth Work requirements.  The draft plan tackles a range of issues raised by the NYA report for both the Council and how we deliver services in partnership with the Voluntary Sector & Connexions.

 County Councillor Joan Stocker, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education says

“The results of consulting local committees confirmed for me the importance that local knowledge and enthusiasm can bring to the planning of provision in Cumbria. Cumbria is a very diverse county and solutions need to reflect this. There will be a stronger framework and more funding as well as central support.  

One of our main priorities is to re-energise and build up the youth worker team in the County.   Only a very small central team will be required with the vast majority of funding available for services to young people. Local Committees will receive improved support and share good practice.  Local Development Workers will also receive improved support to do their job more effectively.

The Government require us to meet targets in the 13-19 age group, while some feel there is a need to work with a younger age group. The day to day operation of the new service remains with Local Committees.  They will continue to identify local need, identify local providers, and continue to make grants as well as supporting youth groups outside the 13 – 19 range.  But we have to meet the requirements of Government.  Their new policy is a significant challenge for Cumbria.  This County Council has responded to this challenge.  We are agreeing this plan at Council but we must remember that this is a real partnership between the County Council, Connexions and the Voluntary Sector. The Voluntary Sector and Connexions are looking forward to this new working environment and to the additional investment in the lives of our young people.”