Highlighting Youth Services in the Houses of Parliament

Wellspring Settlement CEO Beth Wilson writes:

Last week I had the huge privilege of visiting the Houses of Parliament with three young people from our youth services. Also along for the trip were our Youth Coordinator Luis, other grantees of the Youth Investment Fund, partners who supported the delivery of the Fund and a number of cross-party MPs. The privilege wasn’t about going to the Houses of Parliament, or meeting MPs (although that was of course all lovely), it was about spending the day with young people who use our services. It was also a joy to meet young people from across England from Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub in Gloucester, Brighton Youth Centre, KBSK in Bodmin, Eloquent Dance in Birmingham, Salford Youth Zone, The Lighthouse Project in Byker, Boyzee/ Halewood Youth in Community in Knowsley and The Lowdown in Northampton. Most of my work is spent in meetings or at my desk, and it is an unfortunately rare occurrence for me to have the opportunity to spend so much time with a front-line service, or with our service users.

Visiting London, travelling on a train, using the underground, seeing the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben were all new experiences for many of the young people who came on the visit, as was of course the experience of meeting many new adults, including decision-makers and funders. But they absolutely took it in their stride and blew us away with dance, song, words and insights. The youngest was just 10, and the oldest 19 years old. Two of our own young people had GCSE exams to attend the next day. Some of the young people had woken up before 5am to be there; some said they hadn’t gone to sleep the night before at all. They all spoke with honesty, respect, enthusiasm and compassion. They listened to and applauded each other. Not forgetting the youth workers who had brought them – I saw the genuine joy and pride on their faces when one of their young people spoke; the little “yes” moment when they saw them shine.

I listened and learnt much from the young people in the room and I hope others did too. We were lucky enough to be joined by our local MP Kerry McCarthy who used the opportunity to ask our young people what they want her to be lobbying for in parliament. Throughout the day, young people spoke of the challenge of growing up in today’s society; of the need for trusted adults who weren’t parents or teachers, but someone else; of their desire for social media not to be banned but to be made safe. At its most basic level, they all spoke of youth clubs as places of safety, welcome and belonging.

The girls who came along on the trip said “The London trip was a great experience, as we had the opportunity to try new things and meet new people. It was also enjoyable to watch a variety of performances. We are really glad we went, as we were able to hear how young people have supported others in different ways.”

The Youth Investment Fund has created over 200 new youth facilities across England, significantly increasing access to local youth services for tens of thousands of young people. Cross-party MPs met with the young people and heard about why youth facilities are important and what they want in the future. The messages were clear – listen to young people – they know what they want and need; and sustainable youth clubs through ongoing funding for services and activities is what’s essential.