Youth strategy
Over the last year, a Youth Strategy that sets out plans to make Thanet a better place for you has been created by the people who work with young people and Thanet District Council. It includes the views of over 1,500 young people, is the first of its kind for Thanet, and includes some exciting projects and actions that could really make a difference.
Who is it for?
Anyone aged between 11 and 19 years old, parents, carers and anyone who works with young people in Thanet.
What is it?
It’s a plan that includes:
- The things that you have said are important to you
- The actions that youth organisations and people who work with young people will deliver to you
What does it cover?
It covers the five main areas that you have said are important to you:
- Being happy and healthy
- Feeling safe and having things to do
- Making the most of opportunities inside and outside
of school - Having a say on what’s important to you and being listened to
- Being able to do well in life
Why is it needed?
- To let people who work with young people in Thanet know what’s important to them
- To join the different groups and organisations working with young people in Thanet so they work more effectively together.
How was it done?
- We went to loads of events over the summer to speak with hundreds of you to find out what you think is important
- We were really impressed that over 1,300 of you answered our short survey from the summer edition of Oi! Magazine
- We also talked to parents, carers and people who work with young people
- We had help from the Thanet Youth Council, Engage, Kent County Council youth services and Thanet’s schools plus many others
What happened next?
The Youth Strategy was written taking everyone’s thoughts and ideas into consideration. It’s now in place and work has already started!
What will happen now?
Lots! Here’s just a preview...
You wanted information on events, facilities, advice and support to be available in one central place
- We set up a Youth Communicators Network which involves youth organisations working together to create this newsletter and the www.thanetyouthmatters.co.uk website that tells you what’s on, where to go and who to speak to.
- The newsletter can be picked up at schools, youth clubs and public places like Westwood Cross and supermarkets. We’re also having the website linked to school web pages.
You wanted more of a say in how the services provided for you are designed and run and to feel that you are listened to
- We carried out our first survey at the Thanet Youth Council conference and over 200 of you told us how and where you want to receive information. Future surveys will cover community safety and a youth discount scheme.
Future plans include:
- Keeping you updated on how the youth strategy is doing
- Getting you more involved by working with the Thanet Youth Council, local youth groups and schools
- Creating more places for you to go to in the evening, not just youth clubs or organised activities
- Celebrating your personal achievements
- Making sure that the media reports all of the great things that you are doing and achieving
Want to know more?
Download a full copy of the Youth strategy here or call Lacy Dixon on 01843 577608 to get a copy sent to you. You can also email Lacy on lacy.dixon@thanet.gov.uk
