A better deal for our young people: the Government's Youth Strategy

Karin Smyth MP with Matt Justice, CEO of Youth Moves at the site of the new 224 Youth Zone on Hartcliffe Way

Just over a year ago, the Robins Foundation at Bristol City shared with me a report produced by their Peer Action Collective (PAC) team. The PAC team, made up of young people from Bristol, had undertaken research into the challenges others have in finding a trusted adult outside of home or school, who they can turn to for guidance or support.

I am very pleased to see this issue recognised in the new National Youth Strategy published this month by the government. Over 14,000 young people were surveyed in preparing the strategy, with their concerns listened to, and now acted upon.

The strategy sets out ten specific actions, which will make a real difference. The very first of these is to ensure that, within ten years, half a million more young people have access to an adult they trust outside the home. An adult who is prepared to listen.

There will also be action on loneliness, more and better trained youth workers and specific targets to reduce inequality of access to the type of activities the better off take for granted.

Public Bodies, like Sport England and Arts Council England, will be tasked with reducing this gap and focus on giving thousands of young people in-person connections through enriching sport, art, music, and creative activities near them.

Thanks to the efforts of the previous Labour Council and others, the new 224 Youth Zone will open next year. You may have seen the construction under way opposite the entrance to Imperial Park retail park. This state-of-the-art facility will help deliver the strategy for all young people in Bristol South.