New ‘Youth Offer’ website for Telford & Wrekin
Shropshire council launches website to help local young people engage in activities to improve their health and well-being.
A local council has developed a new website to ensure young people in the region are aware of and can access a range of local activities. The Young Offer site boasts a wealth of information on youth and sports clubs, holiday activities and other things going on. Details are provided by a range of partner organisations working with Telford & Wrekin Council.
Cllr Paul Watling with users of the new Young Offer website, photo courtesy of Telford & Wrekin Council
The site is aimed at those aged 11-18, and those with additional needs up to the age of 25. The council invites parents, carers and education professionals to share the new site with young people they know, to inspire them to try something new.
A key principle behind the site is recognition that local providers each have something different to contribute to meeting the needs of young people. Working together and sharing information, the aim is to strengthen the reach and quality of support available within the borough.
The site is just part of the region’s wider new youth partnership initiative, which includes strategic leads from partners including the local council, West Mercia Police, Youth Offending Service, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, Public Health, Telford MIND, town and parish council representation and voluntary sector services, as well as a representative to ensure young people’s voices are heard. This partnership is committed to developing and expanding the local youth offer in the borough, while ensuring that activities and youth provision is linked to themes such as health and well-being, education, employment, training, arts, culture and participation.
The hope is to agree a common approach to contemporary youth work, sharing expertise, knowledge, training and resources in a way that promotes consistency and high-quality provision for young people across the borough.
Cllr Paul Watling, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Systems at Telford & Wrekin Council, says: ‘There are so many youth activities, clubs and groups that are available right across Telford and Wrekin. This new website now makes it easier for our youngest residents to find things to do in their spare time which are in a safe and relaxed environment.
‘The benefits of taking part in the activities are far greater than just physical health. Many of these activities will enable our young people to discover talents, build confidence and find new friendships and that’s why it is so important that we share this information and encourage them to get involved.’
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