The Isle of Wight needs more youth services to help young people ‘thrive and advance’, an Isle of Wight councillor has said following the unveiling of a 10-year Government plan.
East Cowes’ independent councillor Karl Love has spoken of a constant decline in youth provision, with no youth centres currently provided by County Hall.
Cllr Love, who was previously the Isle of Wight’s first detached youth worker, said services have been largely abandoned and disbanded over the years, with surviving provision now relying on the voluntary sector and town and parish councils.
He raised the issue after Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, wrote to council leaders last week about the government’s Ten Year National Youth Strategy, which includes a pledge to invest £70 million into improving local youth offers through local authorities.
Lisa Nandy said the plan aimed to ensure every young person has people who care, places to go, things to do, and are seen and heard.
According to the Local Government Association, youth services provide a sense of belonging, safe space and opportunities for young people to enjoy being young. They can include youth centres, community activities or events in local parks.
Cllr Love said these services are especially important in areas of deprivation.
Karl Love, Isle of Wight councillor for East Cowes, has said:
“Having targeted services can provide interventions such as for health and wellbeing, and support young people who are more vulnerable to alcohol and addiction behaviour.
“If those services don’t exist, it’s more likely that those young people who are risk-takers will develop that risk-taking behaviour.”
The councillor said youth provision also plays a key role in inspiring young people and helping to develop their skills.
Cllr Love added:
“No, £70 million across the whole of England and Wales is very little – we’ll be lucky if we receive £500,000 – it might be less than that.
“We should be entitled to something and in my view that should be going towards our areas of deprivation and seeking to support facilities.
“Ryde is one of the areas of deprivation so I’d like to see Ryde getting some money – and particularly Sandown – I think Sandown could do with some real investment into that area.”
I often hear that there’s no youth activities for young people. Well can I suggest; Army Cadets, Boy Scouts, Cubs, Sea Scouts, Air Cadets, Girl Guides. All facilities designed specifically for young people, some of which can lead to careers in the military. Considering the lack of jobs for young people, youngsters should be encouraged by their parents and teachers to consider these.
Under this Labour Government thriving is a dream.
From what I hear on a daily basis, youngsters need to
get war ready!!