Agenda item

[Philippa Gregory, The Way, Wolverhampton Youth Zone will give an update on progress of the development.]

Philippa Gregory, Development Manager – The Way, gave a presentation to update panel on the current progress of the building work and the key themes that will be used to structure activities. The building is based on the idea first developed in Bolton to provide a range of facilities to young people. Development Manager explained that the building will aim to provide young people with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.

Development Manager gave examples of specific plans and activities that will be delivered at the centre. The building will open to young people aged 8-19 years. The building will be open every day and young people will be charged 50p per visit to take part in 20 different activities on offer.

Development Manager commented on the support provided by local sponsors and the work being to recruit more local business. Development Manager commented on the important role of volunteers to the future success of the building and there will be a focus on encouraging adults to either act as a mentor for young people or to provide sessions. Young people will have the opportunity to take part in a range of taster activity sessions such as basic first aid, apprenticeships.

Development Manager explained that the building will be open on 16 January 2016. 18 local businesses have agreed to sponsor the building. The target is to recruit 50 local businesses in total. 

A range of work is being done to involve young people in developing core values of the Youth Zone.

Development Manager outlined work done to learn the lessons from the first Youth Zone building that was developed in Bolton. There was concern before the building young people coming into the city centre and from parents about children aged 12 -14 and the public transport. In response to concerns a direct bus service to the building was introduced. Development Manager explained that discussions are on-going with Bromford Homes and the provision of a dedicated shuttle bus service.

The panel queried the opening times. Development Manager explained that the centre will be open from 4pm to 10pm. Young children will be have to be dropped off and collected.

The panel queried if there will be a security presence at the Youth Zone.  Development Manager explained that security staff will not have an identified look. The aim will be to provide a low key presence at the building. Development Manager outlined the range of measures to create a safe and positive environment for young people and staff. For example, youth workers will be involved in tackling behaviour issues by building trust with young people and talking about issues. The police will also be involved in working with staff to deal with anti-social behaviour. The aim will be to encourage young people to treat the building with respect. There will be system used to monitor people entering and leaving the building.

Service Director Children and Young People commented that targeted youth workers would also be involved in supporting the staff in dealing with issues at youth zone building. The experience since the opening of the Epic Café showed the positive impact on young people’s behaviour of having youth workers available to deal with issues.

The panel queried if the building will be offering mentoring programme and apprentice opportunities. Development Manager explained that both issues are an important part of the offer to young people. An opportunity for a young person to attend a free five day residential course.

The panel commented on issue of child sexual exploitation and the risk to young people being in the city centre. Development Manager explained that all staff and volunteers would be checked against the DBS register and also their qualifications.

The panel queried if young people would have the opportunity to take part in taster sessions. Development Manager explained that the sessions would be arranged so that people can take part in taster sessions.  Young people would be encouraged to try different activities.

Youth Council queried the long term aims of youth zone. Development Manger explained that sessions would be organised around the three themes - of offering  young people somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk. Development Manager explained that the activities would be decided by young people.

Development Manager explained that there will be ‘soft’ opening events in November and December to test facilities before the formal opening day on 16.1.16.

The panel queried the facilities for children with disabilities. Development Manager gave examples of the facilities, for example the inclusion room. A local group has contacted the centre to ask about facilities for children with disabilities and they are involved in development activities on offer to young people.

Resolved:

The panel welcomed the report and progress made.

The panel to be invited to a visit of the Youth Zone for a tour of the facilities.

The meeting closed at 19:03