YOUTH groups and organisations across Solihull are being celebrated as part of Youth Work Week 2023.
The importance of making youth work accessible and available across all communities has been the focus of the week which ran from November 6 – as the theme was youth work in every place and space.
The Youth Opportunities Board Solihull (YOBS) was set up last November by local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) groups, as a peer-support group for those VCSFE groups working with children and young people in the borough.
Through offering networking, training and support, the group wants to make sure that all children and young people have access to quality youth opportunities.
Councillor Wazma Qais, cabinet member for Communities and Leisure said: “Youth work in every place and space is something we are working towards making happen in Solihull, and YOBS is playing a big part in helping to coordinate this.
“Alongside the brilliant work of our local groups, the Community Development Team at the Council has been involved in establishing a 6-week course on mental health for schools. We are now extending this to our youth work organisations to help build peer to peer support networks for young people.”
Solihull Council also runs the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme which offers activities and meals during the school holidays to young people from reception to Year 11.
Those in receipt of benefits-related free school meals can take part in physical or enriching activities such as sports, dance, drama, or arts and crafts. It is a great opportunity for children to have new experiences, make friends and learn new things.
Volunteer opportunities are available for young people in Solihull including those doing their Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Some Solihull libraries are able to provide places for students, and the Council’s environmental initiative, Love Solihull, can put young people in touch with local litter picking groups.
Any Solihull youth organisation that would like support and information, contact [email protected].
