Agenda item

Reporting Persons: Adam Thomas, Sandie Bolger (Surrey County Council) and Kevin Page (ROC South Sub Group).

The Chairman introduced those presenting on the item which would provide an overview of the youth work in Woking, and an update following on from Surrey County Councils consultation that ended in June 2020.

Sandie Bolger, (WBC Youth Development Officer), updated the Committee on the current delivery of youth work, which had been conducted online recently due to Covid-19, to continue one to one support however as of recent, meet ups could be help outdoors, as it was classed as educational. Other activities included art project packs, gardening kits, online games and challenges, the team have had a strong presence on social media and supported families with mental health and wellbeing.

Adam Thomas, (WBC Family and Community Services Manager), shared information on how Covid had negatively affected employment for 18 to 24 year olds which then resulted in a rise of claimants of Job Seekers Allowance / Universal Credit from 250 to 644.    To address this identified need, Officers were in conversations with the DWP and applying for funding to develop expanded youth provision that focuses specifically in supporting 18-24 year olds back into employment.

The Universal Youth Work undertaken by SCC that was focused towards targeted groups was explained and it was reported that interest had been shown in the leasing of Woking’s three youth centres with a meeting scheduled to be held shortly, however the timeframe of completion was currently unknown.

Future priorities had been identified and summarised as the following:

-       Employment support for 18 to 24 year olds

-       Mental Health

-       Engaging youth in resident panels

-       Supporting future community delivery opportunities and utilise community centres.

Kevin Page, ROC Group, shared the groups aim and aspirations and detailed some of their work provided to the community, working alongside partners such as voluntary and faith groups.  Research had shown that loneliness and mental health had been identified as the most common concerns amongst youth.  Mr Page shared the future plans for the group and how to work collaboratively to help young help. 

Members praised the work from all the teams involved and noted how well they had adapted to the new way of working due to Covid.  The Committee also discussed the Community Youth Needs that provided important data and would be an important resource for reference looking ahead.

It was highlighted that volunteers were fully DBS checked and safeguarding process’ were put into place to ensure the youth were fully supported by the appropriate mentors.

Following a question raised, Mr Thomas explained further details on the plans for the Youth hub which was likely to receive funding as the DWP had approached WBC and would offer a variety of support services for different groups.  Sandie added that the Friday Night Project, which had not re-opened as of yet but once it was up and running it was hoping to be on for another night in the week too.