Devon County Council Cabinet on 11 June 2014 identified Exeter 100 Club, Countess Wear as the one youth hub to remain in the city. As part of the recommendations it was suggested that the Exeter Board take a view on the location of this Youth Hub. The Cabinet resolved : “(d) that with regard to (a) above, the Exeter Joint Board be invited to advise the Cabinet Member for Children, Schools Skills on the most appropriate site/location/venue for the proposed Exeter Hub, having regard to any expressions of interest received from Community Groups and views of interested parties in the City.”
Minutes:
Devon County Council Cabinet on 11 June 2014 had resolved to retain eight area based Youth hubs with one to be identified for Exeter. As part of this decision, it had also resolved to invite this Board to advise the Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Skills on the most appropriate site/location/venue for the proposed Exeter Hub, having regard to any expressions of interest received from Community Groups and views of interested parties in the City.
Following on from this decision, a briefing had been held for Exeter Members of the Board for a full understanding of the issues and options. It was apparent that the provision of a single youth hub for the City was unacceptable and that at least two youth hubs should be created for Exeter, one for the west of the City and one for the east at the Phoenix Club, Wonford. In addition, it was considered that, with the loss of two remaining youth centres, it would be necessary to create a Youth Strategy for Exeter in order to ensure as strong a youth service as possible for the City as a whole, including those areas currently served by the 100 Club and the Knight Club.
Members were supportive of the proposed way forward. They referred to the enormous contribution made by youth workers in the City especially for vulnerable youngsters and children from difficult backgrounds both at home and in school and those living in deprived areas of the City. There was a real concern that the reduction in youth centres could have a negative impact on young people in Exeter. A Member referred to correspondence from the Wonford Neighbourhood Police Team suggesting that the closure of the local youth centre would lead to a significant increase in anti social behaviour in the area. He also referred to the outreach work of the Youth Service as well as work in schools. He supported the creation of youth hubs in the east and west of the City and the development of a City wide Youth Strategy, including those areas currently served by the Knight Club and the 100 Club.
Members felt that Exeter, with different needs and geography to the County’s rural hinterland, did not fit the suggested Cabinet model for Devon which proposed single, area-based Youth Centre Hubs for the major urban areas such as Exeter, Barnstaple, Tiverton etc. Although a single hub would be appropriate for other Devon towns, it would be inadequate for Exeter. A city centre hub location was not supported as it was felt that youngsters identified more with their local areas and problems associated with the city centre’s late night economy could present issues for some parents.
The proposed Youth Strategy would need to encompass new housing developments, reference being made to the recent successful provision of a community centre at Newcourt. The involvement of other community groups and interested parties, churches and charities would be an important element to be addressed by the strategy as would a mapping exercise on location/use of properties and community assets in the City across both Councils. Work should also ensure the effective targeting and support for the most vulnerable young people. In moving a motion to proceed on the basis of the above discussion, it was suggested that a working group of County Council and City Council Members and Officers be established, subject to the support of the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Skills.
It was MOVED by Councillor Westlake and SECONDED by Councillor Owen, and
RESOLVED that:-
(1) Devon County Council be recommended to establish two youth hubs in Exeter, one at Westside and the other at the Phoenix Centre, Wonford;
(2) in order to facilitate and promote the provision of youth services across the City, including at the Knight Club and the 100 Club, Devon County Council be requested to work with Exeter City Council to establish a Youth Strategy for Exeter; and
(3) a Working Group be established comprising Members and Officers of Devon County Council and Exeter City Council to progress the Youth Strategy.