The Mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin, has welcomed a flurry of action from the government to support children and young people, which includes opening a new Young Futures Hub.
Young Futures Hubs will bring together services to improve access to opportunities and support, working with statutory partners, service providers, young people, and communities. The additional services for 10-18 year olds (up to 25 for young people with special educational needs) should become operational by March 2026.
The multi-billion pound plans announced by the Prime Minister follow the decision to scrap the two-child benefit cap, supported by the Mayor and welcomed by leaders in the West. This comes ahead of the West’s own child poverty action plan, building on the regional Growth Strategy approved in the autumn.
After housing costs, 67,500 children (27%) are growing up in poverty in the West. The regional action plan will focus on reducing the cost of living, giving young people the best start in life, and connecting residents to opportunity through skills and transport.
Helen Godwin said: “Every child deserves the best start in life. These new investments and plans are worth billions – including funding for a new Young Futures Hub in Bristol. It will make a big difference for children and young people across the West.
“I am excited, building on the work of our existing Youth Guarantee trailblazer, to work in partnership with employers and partners to help get more young people into training and work. This will include full funding from the government for small and medium-sized businesses to take people on.”