As the UK prepares for the next General Election, YMCA has launched a bold plan to urge political parties and leaders to seize the opportunity to create positive change for young people.
Using the timely call to action of “Now’s Our Chance,” YMCA emphasises the critical need for comprehensive and targeted policies to address the challenges faced by young people, families, and communities.
Bucking the trend
Against the backdrop of 53 per cent of youth clubs closing across England, there are pockets on the Isle of Wight where youth provision has not only avoided being cut, but has been bolstered and supported.
Ryde Town Council (RTC) is one such supporter, having invested in the youth service, Network Ryde, for almost seven years.
Lilley: We have been fighting against this trend since 2017
Councillor Michael Lilley (LibDem), the ward councillor for Appley and Elmfield, told News OnTheWight
“Well on the Isle of Wight we have been fighting against this trend since 2017.
“In 2017, the then Conservative administration closed the IW council’s Island-wide service. However, in Ryde we fought this decision and Ryde Town Council established it own bespoke youth service, Network Ryde, on the High Street.
“Hundreds, if not thousands, of young people have benefitted from it. Instead of making youth workers redundant RTC has created new posts and only this week recruited more workers.”
Lilley: We need to have clubs back across the Island
Councillor Lilley went on to add,
“RTC has won awards for the service and in 2022 was awarded over £700k for a new youth and community centre at St Thomas’s Church (bought by RTC for the purpose) from the Government funded Youth Investment Trust/Fund (see plans).
“This experience cascaded into Sandown with the old Town Hall now to be a youth innovation centre led by IW Community Action.
“I have supported this youth revolution since 2016. We need to have clubs back across the Island.”
Lasting scars left on communities
YMCA say that the ongoing adverse impact of the pandemic, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis, housing shortage and historic underfunding, has left lasting scars on communities.
However, YMCA is hopeful that 2024 offers a chance to put young people’s priorities back on the agenda, creating real change and opportunities for the future.
Hatton: We want everyone across the country to be able to flourish
Denise Hatton, Chief Executive, YMCA England and Wales, says,
“Our vision of the future for young people and communities is one where everyone has stability, security, and access to the resources they need to thrive.
“We want everyone across the country to be able to flourish, not just survive, and to be treated with fairness, equity, and dignity.”
Visit the YMCA website for more information about the new campaign.
Visit the Network Ryde website for more information about the youth service.
