The report of the Strategic Director, Place, (Document “K”) provides an update on work undertaken by the Youth Service in the Keighley area during 2017/2018.

Recommended –

That the work undertaken by the Youth Service in the Keighley Area as detailed in Document “K” be noted.

(Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

(Jonathan Hayes – 01535 618008)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place, (Document “K”) provided an update on work undertaken by the Youth Service in the Keighley area during 2017/2018.

A number of youth workers, partners and young people addressed the meeting to discuss activities which had taken place throughout 2017/18 and the impact the youth service had on the lives of young people in the Keighley constituency.  A comprehensive PowerPoint presentation was also provided depicting a number of initiatives which had taken place throughout the year.

The presentation included specialist projects to reach as many young people as possible including:-

·         LGBTQ support for young people;

·         Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Projects;

·         Inclusion groups for disabled young people

·         One to one work on Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), Early Help and Youth in Mind.

·         Community Cohesion Events.

·         A remembering Srebrenica Event.

·         Keighley Constituency Christmas party.

·         Youth in Mind – drop in sessions.

·         Oakworth Youth Club breaking fast

·         Inclusion groups exploring healthy relationships.

·         Delivering a CSE workshop to partners.

·         Involvement at Bradford Pride.

·         Getting involved in volunteering.

It was explained that there were youth projects happening in every part of the constituency.  Regular open sessions included:-

·         Highfield Youth Club Sports

·         Silsden Youth creating art work

·         Cook and eat sessions

·         Oxenhope Youth Club team building

·         Stocksbridge sports project

Holiday programme were also discussed and details of the Saturday Inclusion day out; Keighley East at Doe Park; Braithwaite Gala and Fox Lane challenge were presented.

Members questioned the young people in attendance about their favourite activities and one young person discussed a visit to Blackpool and the Lord Mayor’s Dragon Boat race.  Other young people discussed their experiences of residential trips where they had made new friends and overcome fears; a sponsored walk to from Bolton Abbey to Ilkley and other charity events.  Youth workers reported their experience of the Breaking Fast event where young people from all backgrounds and across Keighley, including non Muslims, celebrated.

It was questioned what priorities had arisen from the young people during planning events which had been held and it was explained that they had highlighted their appreciation of places to go; things to do and people they could trust to talk to about their worries including poverty; family breakdowns; crime; drug use and anti-social behaviour.    

A Member queried if period poverty was discussed and it was explained that some young people had reported their struggles.  It was acknowledged that this was something that should be worked on in the future.  Youth summits were being arranged across the district and one of the ideas for inclusion had been poverty.

A mother of a young person utilising the Youth Service reported how the service had supported her as a single parent through difficult times.

It was felt that the presentation demonstrated the valuable work with young people taking place across the constituency much of which was undertaken in partnership with other organisations. 

Members were assured that an increased amount of one to one work had been undertaken particularly with regard to mental health/early help and CSE.  That work provided young people with instant access to support and reduced waiting times for the NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMS) for young people and their partners which were currently up to 12 weeks.

A Member who had held the position of Lord Mayor of the district during the municipal year 2017/18 explained that he had visited a number of youth service initiatives and had been amazed by the involvement of young people.  He expressed his appreciation for the work of the youth service and volunteers.  He questioned the percentage of young people from Eastern European backgrounds engaging with the youth service and it was explained that their involvement was sporadic.  A successful event had attracted young people to Highfield and work was being undertaken to attract a new cohort at the University Academy of Keighley.  There was detached work still to be done to attract those young people and take them off the streets. 

A Member questioned a definition of ‘detached work’ and it was explained that youth workers would engage with young people by visiting their areas or places they frequented and talk to them. 

Members expressed their appreciation for the work which had been undertaken and was being developed.  It was acknowledged that the initiatives taking place were providing essential skills needed and that would  help them with future jobs or university applications.  The work with young people from Eastern Europe was welcomed and it was suggested that the Youth Service could assist officers in Children’s Services with their involvement with that community. 

Concern was expressed that the Youth Service could be used as a substitute for mental health services which should be provided by the NHS.  In response it was explained that there was a sum of money provided from the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to help people who were waiting for services.  The Youth Service worked with schools and their nurses to assist where help was needed and hopefully provide assistance much earlier than through CAMS and other sources.

Members acknowledged that young people were often not included in events taking place in the community and it was suggested that the Ward Officers could consider ways they could be engaged. A Member suggested they be invited to participate in the Big Clean Up event taking place in March 2019.

The Youth Workers; their partners and young people were thanked for their attendance and the provision of a valuable presentation.

Resolved –

That the work undertaken by the Youth Service in the Keighley Area as detailed in Document “K” be warmly welcomed.

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: Children’s Services

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place