Above: Tony Gallagher OBE with Richard Lee, Youth Participation and Engagement Team Manager and representatives from MK’s youth sector at an event this week
In the past year, Milton Keynes City Council has provided an extra £150,000 to organisations that give young people social opportunities and wellbeing support outside of school hours.
At an event this afternoon, the City Council brought together dozens of youth clubs and organisations to discuss how they will work together to continue helping young people. During the meeting, the council shared its ideas for a three-year youth sector strategy which aims to ensure that future support meets growing demand.
The draft strategy will be taken to MK’s first Youth Participation Summit on 8 November when young people across the city will get the chance to have their say and input into the plans.
“I am delighted to see that Milton Keynes City Council is working hand in hand with its valued partners to rebuild youth clubs and activities in the city. At the very time when youth work support is most needed, too much provision, locally and nationally, has disappeared during recent years of financial austerity.”
“Our young people deserve the very best, and to achieve this, we need to work in true partnership. This is why we are bringing together the expertise, resources, and passion from across our city and the sector. Alongside developing extra provision in the form of clubs and support services, we remain committed to working with our partners and finding new ways to innovate as our city expands.”
To receive funding, organisations had to demonstrate that appropriate safety and safeguarding measures are in place. The City Council’s Youth Provision Safe Practice Mark helps parents and carers to make informed decisions about local clubs for children and young people.
To learn more about local youth provision and the Safe Practice Mark, visit www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/YPSafePractice