Agenda item

What is there for young people to do in County Durham

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Children and Young People’s Services which provided details of things for young people between 11-19 years, including those with additional needs such as SEND (for copy see file of minutes).

 

The Committee received a presentation from M Stenton, Head of Early Help, Inclusion and & Vulnerable Children (for copy see file of minutes).

 

S Blakeman, Education Development Advisor, confirmed that information from student voice survey had indicated that 19% of children were not engaging in the broad range of activities and asked three of questions of the young people to find out their opinion on the range of opportunities in County Durham.

1.    What is there for you to do in County Durham?

2.    What other opportunities might you like?

3.    What barriers might prevent young people from getting involved?

 

In relation to question one Students suggested that children were able to access the Music Service; activities held by AAPs and in school.  Drama offered in school provided opportunities to perform outside of school.  Extracurricular activities available in school were quite good and included 6th form committees and societies.  School and Public Libraries provided a large selection of books which many people would not be able to afford to buy.  There was also a range of sporting activities both in and out of school.

 

In relation to question two a student commented on the lack of facilities for young people in Durham City, there were many coffee shops but most young people ended up walking aimlessly around the city.  At Maiden Castle there were sports facilities but to hire such as the 3G pitch cost £40 per hour.  Activities were expensive and therefore only affordable for more affluent families.  There should be a timetable of activities during weekends and holidays which cost £5 maximum, so that children could use pocket money to attend.

 

Durham University offered a number of workshops, but they were not always attended by less fortunate students.

 

Barriers included lack of information, cost, and social stigma.

 

Students confirmed that social media (in particular, Instagram), was the preferred method of communication, however the Head Teacher reminded Members that children under 13 were unable to access it and they advised parents against allowing children under 13 to use social media.

 

The Education Development Advisor confirmed that a Countywide Youth Council was being set up and would consist of two electorates from each Secondary School within the county.  Meetings would be monthly and the Agenda would be drafted by young people, discussing issues which were important to them.  The first meeting would be on 22 April and include items such as Climate Emergency, Budget and events would take place to include Primary and Secondary Schools.  In addition to the Youth Council, the first ever Youth Awards would take place at the Radisson Hotel in Durham.

 

Resolved

 

That the report and presentation be noted.

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