26/03/04 - Developing services to young people of Copeland

Today, Cumbria County Council’s Local Committee for Copeland agreed to spend £30k towards the development of youth services for the young people of Copeland.  £20k will be put towards developing a Youth Project in South Whitehaven SRB area and a further £10k towards a similar project to cover wards excluded from the South Whitehaven SRB area.  Both projects will address the needs of young people across Whitehaven working in partnership with Connexions Cumbria, Young Cumbria, Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project and other providers of services to young people.

The South Whitehaven SRB Youth Project will cost £253k over 3 years.  It will provide 2 full time youth workers to establish meeting places for 13 – 19 year olds, use IT equipment, develop and improve their educational skills while having fun at the same time.  Both projects will enable the youngsters to be more involved in what services they want to see delivered in their area as well as becoming involved in the control and management of the project.

County Councillor Ronnie Calvin Chair of the Local Committee says

“Over the years this Local Committee has continued to support services for the young people of Copeland.  However, research does suggests that in some areas there is a lack of facilities for young people and this Youth project will enable all partners to address those gaps in provision.  Young peoples’ views and ideas are very important and their involvement with the Council’s and other public bodies plans and programmes will strengthen local democracy.  When organisations are spending public money, especially on young peoples’ initiatives, it is vitally important that we find ways of involving young people in the decisions that affect them.”