The International Day of Youth on Wednesday 12 August is a timely reminder of the need to focus on young people’s mental health, says Brighton & Hove’s lead councillor for youth services.
The chair of the council’s Children, Young People and Skills committee, Councillor Hannah Clare, said: “Young people have clearly and repeatedly indicated that they need more support with their mental health.
“In a recent council survey of our city’s young people, one in five respondents said Covid-19 had affected their mental health and we’ve heard similar concerns at a recent meeting of Youth Wise, our cross-party group of young decision makers in the city.
“I want our young people to know that we have heard this message loud and clear – and that we are taking action.
“Throughout the city, there is a range of fantastic work happening to help young people.
“We recently allocated £130,000 in youth-led grants to support youth services over the next few months, with a particular focus on projects that help improve young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
“We call them youth-led because the successful bids were selected by a panel of young people from across the city. This was an increase on last year’s grant programme, where young people were asked to allocate £90,000.
“I’m really proud that our youth services team has worked tirelessly since lockdown with local charities and youth groups to adapt the way they work so that they can continue to engage with our young people.
“But there is still more we can do – and I am committed to continually listening to young people and working to improve services and provide them with the support they need.”
Please visit http://www.wheretogofor.co.uk/ for further information about youth services in Brighton & Hove.
One youth-led grant is funding a Hangleton and Knoll Project scheme to redecorate the Knoll Park pavilion in Hove and clean up the park itself. Pictured taking a break from work are Taylor (front) and Jamie.