Agenda item

5.1 The following questions and comments were noted:

Q1) What is happening to the 68 Centre Club and the 12-16  Club?

A)   Steve Flatley from CYC Youth Service responded to this question.  This is a difficult time, particularly for the Youth Service and there have been job cuts.  We have been looking at a number of options.  The Service has been split into three parts and the part responsible for Youth Services is now being managed by the Communities and Equalities section of the Council and this section will in future take responsibility for the 68 Centre.  Unfortunately, some of the youth support workers who deliver sessions at the 68 Centre have had to be made redundant.   Discussions have taken place with young people about alternative venues i.e. Door 84 in The Groves but it had been decided that this was too far away.

This year the 68 Centre will not close but it will not be open in the same way as it currently is unless we can find other groups who would like to use it.   The 68 Centre is currently used as a hub but in future staff will be based elsewhere.  If local groups of volunteers want to use the building we are happy to work with them to ensure that the building is used in a safe way and therefore we can help with training and support. 

Q2) How will you be able to ensure that new staff are CRB checked

A)   We would ensure that anyone working within the service would be CRB checked.

            Q3)  What about the post 16 year olds?

A)    We would like them to come down to Castlegate, however we can explore how best to support young people locally. 

Q4a) Could I ask what other sessions could be put on to keep us off the streets.

b) Why is our Youth Club getting stopped and others are not.  Many people dislike the Wednesday club.

A)   Di Lambert from the Youth Services responded saying that things are changing.  We do not know what the future will be like but we can work through it together.  The council has received funding to run a three year doorstep sports club in York.  This will be an physical activity based youth club providing traditional activities for young people aged 13 upwards, for example zumba and girl’s football.   There will be 17 football sessions across York for 11 – 25 year olds.     If this is successful it will be extended.  This programme will be delivered through the 68 Centre and a consultation programme is currently underway.

Q5) What about the younger children?

A)   Happy to discuss this at the consultation forum

Cllr Funnell said that different ways of work are being looked at and that community services are to become social enterprises for example Warden Call and the Library.   Should anyone want to set themselves up as a group there is some money available to help groups do this, this may involve paying someone to run the youth club alongside the volunteers.   There is also the possibility that vehicles may be hired out.  She said she would be happy to come back to talk to residents.