The report of the Assistant Director, Place (Document “P”) informs the Area Committee of the progress made in relation to the establishment of the new Youth Offer across the Bradford District and specifically in the Bradford West Area.

Recommended –

(1)       Bradford West Area Committee notes the achievements of the Youth Offer Working Group, and the Youth Sector as a whole, as outlined in the Action Plan (Appendix A of this report) and receives a further update in respect of this work in 12 months time.

(2)       Bradford West Area Committee considers and comments on the shared direction of travel and of the continued commitment from the Youth Sector to work together, and to do things differently.

(3)       Bradford WestArea Committee notes the work already undertaken around Youth Voice and commits to formalising Youth Voice arrangements in respect of the Bradford WestArea Committee work plan for 2017-18.

(Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

(Jonathan Hayes - 01535 618008)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “P”) informed the Area Committee of the progress made in relation to the establishment of the new Youth Offer across the Bradford District and specifically in the Bradford West Area.

The Commissioner (Youth Provision) gave a synopsis of the report.

A select few young people who had been under the guidance of Youth Workers attended the meeting and gave a snapshot of their lives since being helped to reach their full potential in society, as follows:

·         Young Person 1

o   Had been referred by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services(CAMHS) due to suffering with mental illness. Never left the house until deciding to visit the Youth Centre that helped considerably in regaining her reason from her illness.

·         Young Person 2

o   Arrived from a children’s home and was on the path of progressing towards youth offending due to the extreme temper since being involved with the Youth Service, which is now a constant part of her life reflected on life now in a positive aspect.

·         Young person 3

o   Was unable to cope with pressures of exams and with the continuous help of the Youth Service, was now considerably confident in dealing with many pressures young people faced in today’s society.

·         Young person 4

o   Victim of bullying; on verge of becoming a recluse until the Youth Service intervened. Now actively involved with outdoor activities and helping others.

Following presentations, information was sought as to the numbers of young people that had been reformed through the Youth Service. The Committee was advised that a significant number of young people from various backgrounds across the district.

A question was asked in relation to the current funding arrangements. It was responded that additional funding had come directly from Central Government and the Youth Service was utilising funds to continue operating on a high level in order to make a positive difference in young people’s lives.

The Committee praised the Youth Service for the District wide work to help young people make a better life for themselves, therefore:

Resolved –

(1)       That the achievements of the Youth Offer Working Group, and the Youth Sector as a whole, as outlined in the Action Plan (Appendix A to Document “P”) be noted and a further update be received in respect of this work in 12 months time.

(2)       That the Bradford West Area Committee considered the shared direction of travel and the continued commitment from the Youth Sector to work together, and to do things differently.

(3)       That the work already undertaken around Youth Voice be noted and Youth Voice arrangements be formalised in respect of the Bradford WestArea Committee work plan for 2017-18.

(4)       That the young people and the Youth Workers be thanked for their commitment towards Youth Provision.

(5)       That the Bradford West Area Committee acknowledges the drastic cuts made to Youth Services across Bradford and the Country by the Government and supports calls for a statutory Youth Service that protects and invests in a universal provision including JNC qualified Youth Workers.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place