A voice for the youth of Saltash
There are plans ahead to improve youth work in Saltash, and give youngsters a louder voice in community affairs.
A meeting is to be held this afternoon (Friday) at 2pm at which it is hoped a new group will be set up to represent the voice of youngsters in Saltash.
At the same time a go-ahead development plan has been announced for the Livewire Youth Project, this involving an information and advice project, a community recording studio and the refurbishment of Livewire's sports hall and sporting facilities, based at Waterside.
Young people aged between 13 and 24 will be invited to today's meeting, organised by youth workers Gillian Furse and Andy Rance, and part of a Cornwall youth service initiative.
Those on the group will be representing themselves, Mrs Furse, of K2, stressing that young people in the town have mentioned the need for the youngsters to have a credible voice, and to develop relationships between themselves and the wider community. She felt they would be given a chance, through the group, to become involved in decision-making. It is thought the group may be able to develop strong links with the town and district councils.
Mrs Furze said that at the meeting she and Mr Rance would be trying to support the group, but not direct it, Mr Rance adding that the aim is to 'raise awareness of political issues and to encourage more involvement up to national level.'
It is likely that the group will be self-financing, although funds could be sought from the town and district councils.
Co-ordinator of the Livewire project, Mr Rance, is now to seek funds for the three-point youth plan, which may cost around £260,000. He hopes the information and advice part of the scheme will offer guidance on health, employment, benefits, housing and sexual health services, and that training facilities may be developed from the recording studio which would help youngsters who wish to develop careers in the music industry. Career advice may also be available via the updated sports facilities, regarding outdoor activities, the refurbished sports hall hopefully to include a climbing wall. The recording studios would be firstly installed for the younger element of the community, but others would be able to gain access at certain times of the week.
Mr Rance said he hoped such facilities would play a part in tackling crime in Saltash 'by providing creative and varied opportunities.'
He said that research carried out last year into the needs of young people had led to the development of the project.