Issue - meetings

To provide guidance on the direction of the Youth Service in the future to discuss whether or not it still meets the needs of Gwynedd's young people and delivers its objectives following the restructure in 2018.

DECISION

1.     To accept the report and note the observations.

2.     To recommend to the Cabinet Member / Education Department:

-        Consistency in the provision needs to be ensured across the County.

-        To identify ways of engaging more broadly with young people and in particular specific groups of young people.

-        Consultation should take place with Town and Community Councils with a view to increasing the number of community clubs.

-        Work should continue with partners to ensure the best provision, for example the Urdd, Young Farmers.

3.     To ask the Youth Service Manager to share data on the number of individuals participating in the provision, and good practice in relation to community clubs, with committee members.

The Cabinet Member for Education presented the report, stating that the Youth Service had been on a significant journey over the last few years, with the provision being significantly remodelled in 2018. It was explained that the COVID crisis had had a significant impact on the needs of young people and a prominent influence on the service, like every other service. Pride was expressed that the service received appropriate attention from this Committee. The Youth Service's key role in the work of supporting Gwynedd's young people was emphasised.

Views were expressed that they did not take enough advantage of the work undertaken by the youth service, or on the effect and the positive impact that the youth service could have on the lives of young people. Reference was made to the Youth Work Wales Conference in Cardiff, where the Gwynedd Youth Service had a prominent presence, and there was an opportunity to share good practices. It was noted that awards evenings had been held by the service in Bangor to acknowledge the successes of young people across the county.

It was expressed that the young people of Gwynedd were excellent, despite the blame often put on them. It was emphasised that the challenges that some young people faced was not a reflection of failure, but it showed the need for support, and this was the priority for the Education Department.

Attention was drawn to the importance of hearing young people's voices, and it was explained that the Youth Service consulted with them often. It was noted that establishing the Gwynedd Youth Forum was a positive step, with a particular officer leading on the work of ensuring that young people's voices were part of the Council's wider work.

Reference was made to Appendix 2 in the 'Young People’s Questionnaire Findings 2025' report. It was noted that 25% of young people were unfamiliar with the service, highlighting the need to do more work to raise awareness. It was highlighted that the main reasons for taking part in the youth services included enjoying and spending time with friends. It was noted that only 17% had stated a lack of interest as a reason for not taking part, which highlighted a clear desire from young people to engage.

It was explained that 75% of the young people asked felt that the service had an important role in the community, and a similar proportion saw the role of the service in schools. It was noted that it was not clear whether the service should only be for the community or also part of the school provision, but the data showed a desire to have it at both places.

During the discussion, the following observations were made:- 

It was enquired how it could be ensured that the Youth Service was visible in the community as well as at school, asking how they could reach out more effectively to young people in the community to ensure that everyone's voice was heard. Concern was expressed that only a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5