The Development Manager introduced the report which outlined the results of the consultation that had been supported by Youth Cabinet, in order to examine alternative delivery models for youth activities across Thurrock.

Members were advised that the response to the consultation had been positive and that 383 responses had been received and that following further focus groups and polls on social media the name ‘Inspire’ had been chosen to brand provision going forward.

A Youth Cabinet representative explained that she was part of the Youth Hub Committee, and felt that this had been a good opportunity to review the needs of young people. She added that the last refresh had been some time ago and that the recent work would be of benefit to young people in Thurrock.

Councillor Kerin observed that it was important to work with young people regarding Not in Education Employment or Training (NEET) figures as this affected their age group and he valued their opinion. Members were advised that it was important to take into account the views of young people and that there had been a significant reduction in NEET figures to 5.4%.           

A Youth Cabinet representative advised Members that the Youth Cabinet were keen to run more campaigns and he thought an examination of the NEET issue would be of interest. He informed Members that he would report back to the Youth Cabinet Participation Officer to see if this could be progressed further.

Rev Barlow highlighted that responses varied widely across the Borough and was concerned that young people in isolated communities such as Bulphan, Fobbing and West Tilbury could become disconnected from service provision. In response the Development Manager assured Members that young people were surveyed in schools and youth groups across the Borough.

Councillor Curtis asked whether partnership working could be developed to offer a wider breadth of services with local providers, especially in light of budget savings and the closure of Culver House, and whether youth clubs could be run at other facilities such as the Ockendon School on evenings and weekends.

The Director of Children’s Services advised that they were looking to increase partnership working to offer a wider breadth of services with local providers.

Councillor Halden encouraged Youth Cabinet be in involved in the Supporting Pathways into Work for Young People task and finish review and requested that they be invited to the first meeting. Democratic Services advised that Youth Cabinet representatives would be invited once the date was arranged.

Councillor Halden felt that the Council was very good at consulting with Youth Cabinet on issues that affected young people directly, but questioned whether much work was being undertaken in relation to less obvious youth related issues such as regeneration. The Youth Cabinet representative explained that a Regeneration Officer had recently presented at Youth Cabinet and felt that young people’s voices were head, however they would like to see greater feedback on how their views were implemented.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the consultation feedback be noted and the Youth Cabinet formally applauded for the good work they undertook in developing and analysing the feedback.

2.         That Members endorse the work of the Project Team, supported by members of the Youth Cabinet, to explore alternative delivery models for Youth Related Activities.

3.         That the findings of the youth survey be used to inform services for young people.