Who said growing-up was child’s play?

I doubt that young people from the later years of primary school up to the age of 18 would describe themselves as ‘babes’. But that was the backdrop to a fascinating afternoon, which produced some thought-provoking views on the challenges facing young people today.

It began with an invitation to Minchinhampton Youth Club to hear about an innovative project in which the hosts and four other clubs – Nailsworth, Rodborough, Horsley and Frith Youth Centre in Bussage – all from the Stroud area, are working together to provide the best possible platform for the 700+ young people they cater for.

No-one ever said growing-up was easy and the topics we discussed compound that impression. We talked about issues related to diagnosed or undiagnosed symptoms of neuro-divergence; negative mental health arising from social media, bullying, pressures intensified by the covid pandemic; physical, sexual and emotional abuse; and the exploitation of young people by grooming gangs, an area where I am determined the ‘public health’ approach to crime, or stopping it before it starts, can have an impact.

Some economists will tell you that the so-called period of ‘Austerity’ was necessary to quell an economic meltdown. But in my opinion, it went too far. A young person may not have a role model at home, nor at school. The knock-on effect of cuts in youth services meant that many lost the only safe place they had where they could meet with others of a similar age and with similar interests. It has left the most vulnerable exposed to exploitation by those with criminal tendencies.

The positive impact that youth clubs have on young people, plus the wider community, is incalculable and yet they are under-funded, relying heavily on the goodwill of volunteers and staff. My office has been able to support numerous youth schemes through the Commissioner’s Fund but that is becoming more difficult as the Constabulary faces fiscal challenges of its own.

Of course I understand that all our public bodies and private companies are facing ‘cost of living’ pressures of their own. But I hope to arrange a meeting with our district and parish councils to see what support can be given to this vital yet under-funded sector, which can do so much for current and future generations if given the opportunity.