The Isle of Wight Council has launched a consultation on the future of its youth services.
As part of the council’s ‘Root and Branch review’ the local authority is keen to hear feedback from the public to help shape proposed changes to services.
Under the council’s proposals, the local authority would work with the voluntary and community sector, including town and parish councils, to deliver youth services. This would include services available to all young people and targeted groups. The council would also explore opportunities for match funding to help local organisations provide a wide variety of youth services which may not be possible using existing council facilities or services.
Richard Priest is the Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet member responsible for children’s services. He said:
“These proposed changes are designed to help make services and activities fair for all young people. In developing the proposals we have considered the need to deliver modern and varied youth services that are that are accessible and inclusive.
“We also need to ensure young people get the right support, in the right place at the right time and know where to go for the right information and advice.
“I would encourage all users of youth services as well as local groups and organisations to take part in the survey so these can be considered ahead of final proposals being published.”
The online survey is available on the council’s website at www.iwight.com under the consultations tab which is found by clicking on the ‘Your Council’ section.
A number of consultation events will also be arranged for town and parish councils, voluntary and community groups, parents and carers and young people throughout January and February. Details of these events will be posted on iwight.com once dates and venues have been confirmed.
The consultation period ends on 28 February
