Hillingdon Council has launched a consultation on a new Youth Offer Strategy aimed at modernising and digitising services for young people in the borough.
The strategy, which was agreed by the council’s Cabinet, proposes a move away from the current static, buildings-based model to one that is more flexible and responsive to the needs of young people.
The proposed strategy is based on feedback from young people who said they wanted services to be brought closer to where they live and spend recreational time.
The new approach will see the council working closely with young people to co-produce services that are dynamic, culturally aware, efficient, and accessible both digitally and at a range of locations across the borough.
The number of services available to young people will be increased, with a particular focus on reaching even more young people during their leisure time to support their personal, social and educational development, and improve wellbeing.
The council plans to expand detached street-based youth work, outreach youth work, and location-based sessions and activities at a range of buildings within local communities, including schools, sports facilities, community centres and family hubs.
In addition, the strategy includes plans to increase access to outdoor learning and volunteering opportunities. The council will also work with its partners and other community organisations that work with young people to maximise opportunities and ensure the offer is comprehensive and joined up.
Cllr Susan O’Brien, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “Our young people have told us that our current youth services model is outdated. We have listened to this feedback and are putting our young people right at the heart of this strategy.
“I encourage them to share their valuable insight and help to shape the design and delivery of new youth services that can benefit even more young people.”
To view the strategy and provide feedback, young people and their families can visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/youth-offer-strategy before the closing date on Monday 5 June 2023.
The council’s Cabinet will consider all feedback and the final Youth Offer Strategy later in the year.
