Agenda item

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 comparatively small percentage of young people had responded to the questionnaire, raising the question regarding how to reach the rest of them. In response, the following was noted:

·       There was a desire to see a higher proportion of young people responding to the questionnaire, to reflect the representational view across the county.

·       The specific work currently being undertaken in terms of engaging with young people, including through the Youth Forum, was likely to lead to a much more comprehensive and reliable report within the next year.

·       The service operated across Gwynedd's communities, but specific challenges faced the county due to its vast geography.

·       Recruiting staff remained to be challenging, and this could exacerbate the situation in more scattered areas where it was more difficult to ensure consistent provision.

·       Everything must be done within the service's ability to get to grips with the challenge, although it was a complex one.

The member enquired further about how consistency could be ensured in the provision across the entire county, specifically referring to south Meirionnydd as an area which faced difficulties with public transport and recruitment. In response, the following was noted:

·       A new staff member had been recruited in Tywyn and was starting the following week, with the hope that this would address the local needs in that area.

·       There were plans to establish a youth club at the train station to provide for young people leaving school.

·       The Youth Forum was now operational in Meirionnydd, Dwyfor and Arfon, and work was being done to ensure feedback from as broad a representation of young people as possible. The hope that this work would develop further over the next few months was expressed.

·       The forum only focused on the youth service, but it looked at the wider picture by including feedback from schools, the third sector, and the voices of the young people themselves, especially those that would not usually express views through formal channels.

The need to remodel the youth service in 2018 was questioned, raising various questions about the current role that approximately 70 workers had in the service. In response, the following was noted regarding the structure of the workforce:

·       Full-time workers worked between schools and the community, with a focus on targeted work (low attendance or behavioural difficulties) in schools and well-being and socialising in the community.

·       Project 16-25 staff supported young people through one-to-one work, providing one-to-one support to young people who were further from the labour market and needed to develop life skills, socialising and resilience.

·       Part-time workers, who worked between three and six hours a week, supported the provision of community youth clubs through town and community councils and supported full-time workers.

·       The number of workers noted referred to different individuals, without duplicating.

·       There was a target of three part-time workers on average at every club.

·       Some workers were also involved with Clwb Cyfeillgar Derwen under separate funding arrangements, but they were all employed by Cyngor Gwynedd.

It was enquired regarding the nine areas where the provision was funded by community councils, with the majority of them in Arfon. In response, it was noted that communities in Meirionnydd and Dwyfor had not taken advantage of this method to the same extent, but there were discussions underway to encourage more community councils to take part. It was elaborated that this was a priority for the service. It was explained that one of the biggest challenge was recruiting local staff, because several town councils had expressed an interest in the past but had not succeeded to ensure a workforce.

A question was asked about the best way of connecting with young people with behavioural problems, especially in locations where there were no specific places for youth provision. In response, it was noted that work was underway to transition between schools and the community, and although some young people could decide not to engage with a formal club, there was an attempt to reach them through the 'Roaming' plan which tried to create community hubs in as many areas as possible.

It was emphasised that close collaboration took place with the police, with monthly meetings to identify and address anti-social problems. It was explained that methods had been adapted locally in accordance with the needs of communities, as shown already in Cricieth.

Concern was expressed regarding the service's current method of measuring engagement, as it counted the number of connected events instead of the number of individuals who engaged. In response, it was explained that work was underway to improve the Council's data systems to identify the number of individual young people who benefited from the service in detail. It was noted that it would be possible to share the individual data by the end of the year.

Reference was made to a clear message by young people, which was the need for safe spaces to reconvene, socialise and relax without enforcement to gain qualifications. In response, it was noted that qualifications were still available to those who wished, but the focus was now on socialising and well-being, including activities such as trips through the Taith project, including a plan to visit Croatia.

In response to a question about the future of the three-year strategy after the grant came to an end, it was explained that the service worked with partners to develop a wider strategy which would continue beyond the current funding period. It was noted that the Welsh Government was expecting a long-term plan with input from partners, including young people, health, education and the third sector. Hope was expressed that this method would maintain the long-term provision, and work continued to strengthen the statutory element to ensure its continuation in the future.

There was a question regarding whether the youth officer in Tywyn would also operate in Corris. In response, it was noted that the Tywyn or Dolgellau officer would visit Corris. It was explained that part of the officers' work was working within the catchment areas and extending their provision to those communities. In response to this, the hope was expressed that a new youth club would be established in the village as there was a strong local demand.

Reference was made to the Young Farmers situation, noting that the Council's continuous financial contribution had come to an end several years ago, and the organisation had faced difficulties since then. Attention was drawn to the number of activities and skills that the young people had fostered through the Young Farmers, such as Eisteddfod activities, chairing committees and a sports festival. Concern was expressed that no structure had been put in place to replace the support lost, and there was a call to reconsider the provision of an officer in Meirionnydd to support wider youth activity.

In response, it was explained that collaboration continued with the Young Farmers, and they had been given funding over the last two years to support projects. It was also noted that the 'Llais Ni' forum included organisations such as the Young Farmers as part of the feedback process for the youth service and wider services. It was expressed that the relationship was positive, and the importance of community organisations, such as the Young Farmers, was considered excellent in rural areas.

Appreciation was expressed for the work achieved in Llanrug over the decades, paying tribute to Donna Taylor for her exceptional contribution over 30 years. It was explained that her work had been invaluable to a generation of children and young people in the community. The new successor was welcomed, and best wishes were expressed for the future.

Attention was drawn to the positive experiences for young people who regularly attended the Llanrug youth club, and the positive impact seen in thank you cards from children who attended a farewell evening. The importance of providing safe and supportive spaces for young people experiencing a complicated period and full of social challenges was highlighted.

A question was raised regarding how much training and support the youth service staff received to foster healthy respect between boys and girls. In response, it was noted that workshops on healthy relationships were already being held in schools, and further training was provided on this subject to all staff members, responding to specific matters raised in a recent television programme.

Concern was expressed about inequality in the provision between Gwynedd areas, noting that there were eight community clubs in Arfon but only one in Meirionnydd and one in Dwyfor. It was highlighted that most of the time of staff being paid by the Council focused on Arfon, and views were expressed that this was unfair. It was acknowledged that it was easier for large town councils to contribute to youth clubs, compared with smaller community councils which have less resources.

The situation of the provision with the Barnett formula and the national argument about funding based on population instead of deprivation level was compared. Disappointment was expressed that Cyngor Gwynedd did not do enough to address the inequalities within the county itself, and more investment into provision in areas such as Meirionnydd was called. More information was requested about the current provision in coastal areas, and Aberdaron was specifically mentioned as an example of somewhere to learn lessons from its successes. In response, the following was noted:

·       The statutory provision was consistent across the county, with every school receiving support from a part-time community worker who worked three nights a week in the community.

·       Town and community councils were essential to be able to conduct a stable provision in other areas, and this would be a priority to be developed as a result of this meeting.

·       Many projects in the third sector received financial support, including 'Forest Schools' in the Corris area and the cinema in Tywyn, which was evidence that work was underway to respond to local needs.

·       ⁠The provision did not only happen through the Council, but through working with private organisations and the third sector that was proactive in the community.

A positive example from Llanddeiniolen Community Council was highlighted, which funded three youth clubs in Rhiwlas, Deiniolen and Bethel, showing that it was possible for community councils to practically support youth services.

Attention was drawn to the contribution of community councils to maintaining playgrounds, and the question was raised about how much cross-departmental collaborative work happened in these fields, such as well-being and maintenance. In response, it was noted that:

·       The 'Summer of Fun' project had used playgrounds during the summer holidays.

·       Much of the provision over the summer were held outdoors.

·       Community grants had led to significant improvements in playgrounds, including new equipment and resources to be used by children outside school hours.

·       This had been enabled by the Community Schools Grant, and continuous work would be done with the schools to see how these benefits could be extended.

·       The Play Forum, which was supported jointly by the Education Department and another department, undertook work to provide and improve playgrounds and play provisions across the county.

Satisfaction was expressed that the youth club had evolved, and it was possible to reach children in different cohorts, praising the fact that a new priority had been given to mental health and well-being matters. It was noted that this reflected the responses from young people, showing a change in their needs. It was acknowledged that it was not only the responsibility of the youth service to provide mental health services, but the duties often fell on them. It was asked what type of mental health provision the service would offer when moving forward. In response, it was noted that:

·       The youth service was a preventative service and it operated most effectively at an early stage of a young person's journey.

·       Close work was being undertaken with schools where young people with low-level mental health problems had been identified.

·       Well-being workshops, 'Friends for Resilience' sessions, sessions relating to anxiety and exam stress, school transition and community transition work were amongst the activities offered.

·       Work was ongoing with the older age groups, noting that the youth service was part of a 'Social Prescribing' forum in Gwynedd.

·       Feedback had been received by general practitioners that many young people were presenting with mental health problems, but they were not complex enough to be referred to CAMHS (Children and Young People Mental Health Services). As a result, the youth service provided well-being activities such as socialising and volunteering.

·       Good preventative work was being done, and it needed to be expanded in the future for every age group.

Concern was expressed regarding the provision of a mobile youth club, noting that temporary provision worked well, but when it withdrew, no safe spaces continued for young people. Reference was made to the village of Trefor, it was noted that a successful Christmas party had been held, but by January and onwards, nothing was happening. It was asked why there were no more opportunities in Llithfaen, Llangwnnadl, Tudweiliog and it was suggested that a method was required to continue with the good work that temporarily began. Furthermore, it was asked why there was only one support officer for Dwyfor.

In response, it was noted that one full-time staff member and three part-time colleagues worked in the catchment area. It was explained that the basis for the provision map was working within school clusters, and it had been designed in accordance with the resources available. Although it was not perfect, it was noted that this was the best model to provide some type of service across as many areas as possible.

It was confirmed that a static youth club normally operated between September and April, providing service in the relevant area for half a year. It was noted that plans were underway for the coming September, with the hope of restoring provision for specific villages.

A previous observation was supported, noting that good practice was seen in areas such as Aberdaron and Llanddeiniolen, and it was possible to learn from them to improve provision in other areas.

Appreciation was expressed for the work of the Youth Service Manager and the team, noting that the work was prominent and positive in several parts of the county, including Caernarfon. Reference was made to the Porthi Dre club, which was run by volunteers and provided a safe space for young people in the town. It was explained that over 40 young people attended on Wednesday evenings, and free warm meals was a key attraction.

More resource sharing was called, and the view that it was possible to make better use of what schools, adults services and the wider community had. The need to think creatively was emphasised, as well as not solely depending on the youth service to resolve problems. It was emphasised that providing services to young people was not only the responsibility of the Council and the youth service.

Concern was expressed about children who followed alternative timetables, and the need to sustain them within the education system and to collaborate with communities to raise awareness of the challenges. It was noted that the collaboration with the police was a positive step, as well as the flexibility within the service to get to grips with community problems. The importance of looking outside the box when searching for answers was underlined.

Concern was expressed regarding the difficulty to recruit staff, despite the fact that desire and funding was available. Advice was asked on how to attract volunteers or employed staff to join the youth provision. Reference was also made to the possibility of working in partnership with organisations such as the Young Farmers and the Urdd. It was suggested that the county's leisure centres should be used, noting the excellent resources available in them.

In response, it was explained that there had already been some collaboration with Byw'n Iach centres, for example, a club in Abermaw and a joint project with a community officer under the Urdd, including six community groups.

To conclude, the Cabinet Member for Education drew attention to the key role of town and community councils, noting that what normally happened in successful urban areas was that one village or town started, and then nearby areas followed. The hope that more promotion work would take place in Meirionnydd and Dwyfor was expressed. The importance of collaborating between different sectors was also emphasised, including third sector organisations and groups such as the Young Farmers and the Urdd.

The youth service's staff members were praised, noting their excellent work across the county. ⁠It was repeated that the youth service's preventative work was essential, especially in light of the intense challenges that young people faced today. It was noted that there was a need to continue to work towards creating safe, static spaces more consistently, by working with local councils. Attention was drawn to work already underway regarding this, and the hope that there would be more implementation in the future was expressed, especially in Meirionnydd and Dwyfor.

RESOLVED

1.    To accept the report and note the observations.

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

-       Consistency in the provision needed 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 unique individuals participating in the provision, and good practice in relation to community clubs, with committee members.