Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to the report of the Youth Services Manager.

The Youth Services Manager presented the report which provided an update on the performance of the Youth Service and for Members to scrutinise the impact of the service. 

In response to a Member’s question regarding the potential end of European funding, the Youth Services Manager said that there was a potential risk that European funding would cease, however, part of her role was to look at opportunities and explore funding routes such as the Big Lottery and City Deal.

A Member raised concerns regarding duplication of some work.  The Youth Services Manager responded that the Youth Support grant received from the Welsh Government enabled the service to appoint additional youth workers to support young people who need additional support with their emotional and mental health.  The Manager emphasised that it was about understanding and recognising how youth working can contribute to improving mental health in young people and not about duplication of work.  A Youth Homelessness Co-ordinator had been appointed to look on a local level what issues were happening in Blaenau Gwent with the focus on those young people at risk of experiencing homelessness and mental health.

In response to a Member’s question regarding value for money in relation to the Duke of Edinburgh project, the Youth Services Manager said that Blaenau Gwent held the licence for groups such as local football and rugby teams to set up their own Duke of Edinburgh project, however, schools held their own licence.

A Member enquired regarding the maximum age of young people the Youth Service supported. The Youth Services Manager said that the Youth Service co-ordinated the 11-18 Counselling Service.  There was a legal requirement to support young people up to the age of 25 and monies had been ring-fenced to meet this duty.

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report be accepted and endorse Option 2; namely to accept the report as provided.

Councillor Steve Thomas left the meeting at this juncture.