Youth services: There is a better way

The financial crisis at Birmingham City Council appears to be deepening; The latest casualty in that crisis is youth services as the service gets set to be redesigned.

Lib Dem Group Leader Cllr Roger Harmer responded to this news saying:

“In a city where poverty, SEND needs, concerns over young people’s mental wellbeing and homelessness are on the increase, youth services provide a crucial line of defence and support for young people. 

“This is a challenge, but there are opportunities that Labour is missing. This council ought to become much better at partnerships with external providers. 

“If in power, the Liberal Democrats would take a community-based approach to this problem. We would map out facilities across the region and work with the voluntary sector, local community groups, schools and businesses to create a good quality youth service offer.

“Youth clubs offer a crucial space for young people to connect, share ideas and develop. They offer a sense of belonging, which is particularly important in the teenage years.

“Trained youth workers are often able to connect with children in a way that teachers in a more formal setting cannot do.

“Youth services can offer opportunities such as sports clubs, Duke of Edinburgh awards, amateur dramatics and a range of other activities that inspire and build a generation. They are an antidote to boredom, and in some parts of the city, a vital alternative to gang life.”

“Sadly, this is another example of how young people and families are paying the price for Birmingham Labour’s failures.”