The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme which has been running across the borough this summer has proved to be a huge success. Government funded, it’s about giving children from reception to year 11 opportunities to take part in engaging activities which support mental wellbeing through the school holidays.
This type of investment is making a huge difference in the lives of our young people. But when I talk to children and young people during my school tour, the thing I hear most often is that they need more to do in the evenings. That’s why, for the last few months, I’ve been working with the Council and Government on a proposal for a transformational youth zone in our area.
This would be a place fit for the 21st century. Where we can bring young people together, offline, and offer them activities and support.
With a cost of over £8 million this would be a major investment.
Earlier this year the Government launched the Youth Investment Fund for exactly this kind of work. Our borough was an early beneficiary, with some of our local groups involved in youth work receiving funding. But the next round is where major investment could come, and where my lobbying efforts are now focused.
Having spoken to both the Minister for Youth, Nigel Huddleston, and the Secretary of State, I know they are now both aware and supportive. As is our Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden, who I joined at the Colne Youth Action Group last week. I was there to see how with the support of his Safer Lancashire Neighbourhoods Fund, the youth provision is helping the drive to address anti-social behaviour.
A fully funded youth zone in the heart of our borough is an idea I’ll continue to campaign for. Because giving teenagers something constructive to do will help reduce levels of anti-social behaviour here too – something that has been a topic of conversation throughout my summer surgery tour, particularly in Padiham where I’ve also been working to put more youth provision in place.
Securing investment on this scale is never easy but as we saw with our successful £20 million Levelling Up Bid; bringing people together and putting in the hard work means it is achievable. And with the addition of partners with a proven track record of successfully running youth zones on board we have a real shot.
The formal bid for funding will be placed within the next few weeks. It has my unwavering support.
