Issue - meetings

This report sets out the refreshed youth strategy and includes an update on the themes and outcomes of the previous strategy (2021-2023) along with an outline of the priorities and aims within the new strategy.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To note the contents of the report relating to the achievements of the previous youth strategy and the details and plans for the refreshed youth strategy.

(2)        To approve the refreshed Brent Youth Strategy 2025-2028.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 March 2025

Councillor Gwen Grahl (as Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Schools) presented a report from the Corporate Director Children and Young People which outlined the refreshed Youth Strategy and included an update on the theme and outcomes of the previous Strategy (2021 – 2023) along with details of the priorities and aims within the newly refreshed Strategy.

In presenting the refreshed Brent Youth Strategy for 2025 – 2028, the opportunity was taken to remind members of the commitment it had been designed to reflect in ensuring that every young person in Brent was able to thrive and flourish.  Members were advised of the way in which the Strategy had been specifically shaped and designed to include the voices of young people with all those who had contributed their time, creativity and vision to co-design the Strategy thanked for their engagement.  In noting the strong foundations laid within the previous Youth Strategy, specifically focussed around the challenges faced by young people in the local area highlighted by the Independent Brent Poverty Commission, the refreshed Strategy had sought to build on those achievements working in partnership with young people and a range of partners across Brent, including the voluntary and community sectors, in seeking to continue building and fostering close relationships to ensure the effective delivery of the strategy.

Whilst recognising the specific challenges faced by young people, including issues relating to mental health, financial pressures compounded by cuts in youth services under austerity, members were advised the priorities identified within the refreshed Strategy had been designed to reflect the issues identified as most important by young people structured around the following key themes – being heard and taking part; reaching goals and enjoying yourself; feeling good and staying safe with members commending young people for the resilience shown in addressing the challenges identified.

Alongside the development of Brent’s refreshed Youth Strategy, members were advised that the Government had also launched a consultation designed to provide young people across the country with the opportunity to have their say on decisions that affected their lives in what, it was highlighted, would be one of the most ambitious listening exercises in a generation.  In looking forward to continuing the work with key stakeholders, including the government, voluntary and community sector and young people, all those involved in developing the Strategy and supporting the provision of youth service provision across the borough were once again thanked for their dedication and efforts in seeking to turn the strategy into action.

In recognising the challenges identified by many young people across the borough Cabinet welcomed the clear approach and commitment outlined within the refreshed strategy to ensure Brent remained a safe, inclusive, collaborative and nurturing place for young people to flourish into adulthood.  In support of the efforts being made to build on the achievements under the previous Strategy it was therefore RESOLVED:

(1)        To note the contents of the report relating to the achievements of the previous youth strategy and the details and plans for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12