Plans are drawn up for £1m youth services investment

KIRKLEES Council could be set to invest up to £1million in new youth services if new proposals are approved.

Cabinet members are being asked to approve the funding at a meeting this week, which would ensure every child and young person in the district could access safe places, learning opportunities and fun activities.

The scheme, entitled ‘Youth Places To Go’, would lead to the development of new facilities and the extension of those already in place across the region.

The money would be used to provide grants to local organisations, who would expand and run youth services on behalf of the council.

Mobile projects are at the centre of the plans, so that young people in the most rural parts of the district can be reached as well.

There are also plans to help young people from marginalised groups such as those with disabilities or special educational needs, so that they can also get involved. Under the plans, two new Youth Places To Go centres - one in Huddersfield and one in North Kirklees could be provided later with further investment.

The plans could include: ■■Making the scout hut accessible to wheelchair users and other disabled children

■■Better facilities and programmes for children and young people from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds

■■Funding help more children and young people to exercise on the Greenway

■■Basic bike maintenance courses for teenagers to improve their confidence and skills

■■Providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ young people ■■Helping young people with SEN and/or learning disabilities who may otherwise be excluded from skills-based learning and social spaces the country have been stripped back in recent years, but here in Kirklees we are investing heavily in our young people.

“We already have a network of providers doing very good work, but this is a brilliant chance to strengthen those links and build on the current offer alongside our community groups.

“We will be increasing what’s available in local areas, supporting local organisations - many of whom struggle for funding and focusing on the things that make the biggest difference to our young people.”

“This is an exciting development and will vastly improve youth facilities across Kirklees.

“It’s about helping young people to have the best start in life, to aspire, achieve and find excellent support within their own communities.”

A decision on whether to approve the scheme will be made by Cabinet members tomorrow.