Agenda item

Jolene Allen and Mark Glymond were welcomed to the meeting.  The Area Council Manager reminded members that Supporting Young People was one of the priorities of the Area Council, though only 6% of all spend was directly aimed at this priority.  Members had agreed to consider available evidence prior to any further investment.

Discussions had been held with the Targeted Youth Support Service Early Intervention and Prevention service which had led to the development of the Youth Summit.  Here tasters were offered in engaging activities to encourage young people to attend, and in addition to information stalls, there was an opportunity for those attending to give their opinions.

Those attending were asked to contribute to a Youth Voice Tree, a Money Wall and the event evaluation.  Many did take part in the engagement, and Members commented that young people were generally positive about the area, and it showed that many were aware of wider issues such mental health and the environment.  Feedback related to the event was positive and though many were resident in the area around the town centre, some did attend from surrounding villages.

Members were then made aware of the service provided through the Targeted Youth Support Service – Early Intervention and Prevention.  This included universal group provision and outreach engagement; targeted group provision, and one to one targeted or specialist support.

Noted were the delivery settings, which included 2 nights a week at the IKIC centre, with young people able to self-refer.  Also provided was a detached session 1 night per week; however it was noted that there was a vacancy in this area so detached provision was currently unavailable.

Members heard of work done in partnership with schools on transition, intergenerational work with Age UK, and assistance provided to young people to enable them to volunteer.  Also noted was the piloted excel scheme, designed to support young people to remain in school.

Those present were made aware of the Make Your Mark campaign and the issues raised in Penistone Grammar School (fear of knife crime, equal pay, and mental health) and the 6^th form (transport, period poverty and mental health).

Members were apprised of the plans of the service, which included continuing work at the IKIC centre, an Arts Project with Public Health, and a focus on Health and Wellbeing Month in February.

A discussion took place around whether the information presented had highlighted any areas requiring investment by the Area Council.  It was suggested that further investigation be undertaken and a workshop be convened to discuss this and any implications.

RESOLVED:-

(i)            That thanks be given for the work undertaken to plan and hold the Youth Summit; and

(ii)          That a workshop be arranged with partners to consider information and intelligence related to young people in more detail, with any findings to be considered at a future meeting of the Area Council.