Hillingdon Council is set to revamp its youth services in response to feedback from young people, families, and community partners.
At a Cabinet meeting held on September 14, the council approved a new Youth Offer aimed at better meeting the needs of today’s younger generation.
This initiative comes after a comprehensive nine-week public consultation in the spring and early summer, which showed strong support for a more flexible and modern approach to youth services.
The plan involves shifting away from the traditional model of youth centres and instead making services more flexible and community-oriented. This will be achieved by using existing council buildings and creating modern family hubs, accompanied by increased street-based youth work and outreach efforts.
The new Youth Offer will expand the range of services provided and offer them at times that are more convenient for young people. The goal is to support personal, social, and educational development, as well as improve overall well-being.
To make it easier for young people to access these services, a digital directory will be established, listing all council and community youth services in one place.
Councillor Susan O’Brien, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Families, and Education, noted the importance of involving young residents in shaping these services.
Councillor O’Brien said, “It was imperative that our young residents using the array of youth services available had a say in what could be delivered and how, so as to ensure the council is offering an innovative and fit for purpose model for today and the future.
“The world is evolving rapidly, and we need to evolve with the times making sure services remain relevant and match the needs of our young people and are delivered where they can access them.”
