Voluntary Sector Briefing - Sandwell's Youth Service Offer

The Government has strengthened guidance for Local Authorities around the statutory duty to provide positive activities (traditionally known as youth work) for young people. In response to this, Sandwell Council is reviewing the current offer available to young people, including what it currently provides through the Youth Service and what others are providing. 

A mapping exercise has been undertaken to capture what is currently available in each ward in Sandwell. However, we recognise that there may still be gaps in what has been captured. Alongside this a needs analysis will be undertaken to understand the specific needs of young people in Sandwell. This will inform the development of a comprehensive youth offer for young people in Sandwell and help identify ways in which the voluntary sector and the youth service can work together more effectively.

This session will focus on:

• Overview of the revised statutory guidance
• Provide an overview of the Youth Mapping Survey undertaken to identify youth provision available for young people in Sandwell.
• Information on the Council’s current youth offer
• Discussion around the needs of young people and any gaps in youth provision.
• What are the issues for VCS organisations in developing or delivering youth provision in Sandwell and how we address this collectively?