23/06/2015 - Permalink

Applications invited to provide youth activities in areas of Shropshire

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Shropshire Council wants to hear from local organisations or individuals interested in providing youth activities for 10- to-19- year olds (24-years-old for individuals with learning difficulties) in the following areas: Wem and Shawbury; Ellesmere; Gobowen, Selattyn, St Martins and Weston Rhyn, and Loton, Longden, Ford and Rea Valley areas.

From 17 July 2015 Shropshire Council will no longer directly deliver youth services, but will instead allocate money to the county’s Local Joint Committees (LJCs). They will make use of local experience and knowledge to make recommendations on the provision of youth services in their areas that meet local needs.

Over the past few months LJCs have been talking to young people and local communities to get a better understanding of what activities people would like to see delivered in their areas.

Now, applications are sought to provide youth activities in a limited number of areas, with further opportunities expected to follow soon.

Invitations to bid have yesterday (Monday 22 June) been published on the Shropshire Council website,  and circulated to the voluntary and community sector.

In the Wem and Shawbury LJC area, applications are being sought to:

  • provide one evening per week (term time only) youth club provision in both Wem and Shawbury for 10-19 year olds.
  • provide targeted outreach work in rural areas as and when required as identified by local parish councils, local police team and other key local stakeholders.

In the Ellesmere LJC area, applications are being sought to:

  • provide a safe place for young people to meet and to take part in various activities that provide them with better outcomes.

In the Gobowen, Selattyn, St Martins and Weston Rhyn LJC area, applications are being sought to:

  • provide one evening per week (term time only) youth club provision in Weston Rhyn for 10-19 year olds.
  • provide targeted outreach via satellite clubs or multi activities and a number of taster sessions during school holiday periods (with a focus on current identified issues via West Mercia Police, local parish councils and other key local stakeholders).
  • to develop and increase capacity within current youth clubs based on evidence, need and outcomes expanding and supporting existing partners.

In the Loton, Longden, Ford and Rea Valley LJC area, applications are being sought to:

  • provide one evening per week (term time only) youth club provision in both Minsterley and Westbury for 14-19 year olds.

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, said:

“We anticipate that by commissioning youth activities the capacity of the community and voluntary sector (CVS) will increase. This is really positive for these areas and CVS providers as this is funding that has not previously been available in these areas.

“Our aim is to ensure that as many young people as possible can continue to access a wide range of activities after school, at weekends and in school holidays, to support their well-being, development of personal and social education and preparation for adulthood.

“I would encourage any groups interested in proving youth activities in these areas to apply.”

For more information on the opportunities to deliver youth activities visit the Shropshire Council website.