Proposed youth offer developed with young people
- Strategic Youth Offer proposals approved by Mayor and Cabinet
- Council to take back control of youth services, to develop a more diverse range of provision
- young people want more activities, more safe spaces, trained youth workers
Lewisham Council has a long-standing commitment to providing a diverse range of youth provision to families and young people living in the borough. The Council is a strategic lead for youth provision in the borough, in a unique position to lead and develop across sectors, forge strong partnerships, and collaborate to find innovative ways to meet the needs of Lewisham’s young people and their families.
Recommendations have been approved by Mayor and Cabinet on 23 October, to agree the Council’s new Strategic Youth Offer. The agreed proposals are designed to deliver a modern and inclusive service, better matched to the needs of Lewisham’s young people. The new approach results from a comprehensive review, including a detailed analysis of the youth offer landscape, and significant consultation was undertaken with our stakeholders, with young people at the forefront.
Cllr Barnham, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said “We are proud of Lewisham’s young people and we are determined to provide a strong youth service to support them. That’s why we have carried out a thorough review and consulted with our young people, parents, providers, and key stakeholders. Young people told us they wanted more support to make better choices – especially as they manage life’s challenges, access to more activities locally, more safe spaces, and trained youth workers who understand their needs and backgrounds.
We have listened, and this new strategy and youth offer will increase youth participation. We’ll aim to do this in a more cost-effective way, to get the maximum impact out of every penny we can to provide the support to our young people.”
A modern, dynamic, and inclusive youth offer is essential for helping young people develop the confidence and resilience to transition to adulthood, engage meaningfully with their communities and wider society, and to start well and thrive into adulthood.
The Youth Service contract is currently provided by Youth First and the contract ends on 31 March 2025.