Issue - meetings

To receive the report of the Director (Early Intervention and Support).

That the Director (Early Intervention and Support) be given delegated authority to finalise agreement with Inspire Youth Zone for the undertaking of the outreach work project.

Councillor Beverley Murray, Executive Member (Early Intervention and Support), presented the report of the Director (Early Intervention) which seeks approval for the provision of funding to Inspire Youth Zone for additional outreach work.

Members discussed the report, noting that although work has been undertaken to address some of the potential barriers to young people in outlying areas attending the Youth Zone, there is more work to be done to ensure that all young people in the borough are able to benefit from the facility.

Members discussed the problems regarding the provision of transport and noted that it is this would be one of the barriers to membership and/or attendance which will be examined in more detail as part of the consultation being proposed. It was noted that approximately 1200 young people attended the Youth Zone each week but that the report proposes outreach activities to take place in the identified areas as well as facilitating attendance on site. With regards to young people’s mental health, it was noted that existing work with the Health Trust and Clinical Commissioning Group involving smaller projects could be built upon.

Decision:

That the Director (Early Intervention and Support) be given delegated authority to finalise agreement with Inspire Youth Zone for the undertaking of the outreach work project.

Reasons for Recommendation(s):

Inspire Youth Zone has seen significant success since it opened with support from Chorley Council in 2018. The outreach project enabled through the funding will ensure that all young people from across the borough are supported to access its facilities.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

To not provide the funding. This was rejected as it would mean that young people in some wards would not have the same level of support and access as those in other areas.