The chair welcomed everyone and took apologies for absence.

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 7 May 2009

The minutes were checked for accuracy, and no corrections were needed:

Resolved:

That the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 7th May 2009, be accepted as a true record.

There were no matters arising.

The Acting Head of Service, Lindsay Davidson, presented the report of the service’s recent activities, and drew the Committee’s attention to the following:

a)  Sue Aubusson was introduced as officer with responsibility for developing the website for young people, in accordance with the Local Youth offer;

b)  Val Wilson had recently retired after 28 years service with theYouth Service;

c)  A recent arson attack had put Charing Cross YC out action.  An incendiary had been put through a roof light causing damage to electrical systems.  The centre was hoping to reopen on 11^th December, in time for Christmas;

d)  The Youth Outreach Team had been engaging with an Indie group in Birkenhead, and successfully directed them to be part of the activities at Grange Baptists;

e)  The Virtual Baby project (ref: Minute 57, Y&PSAC, 7^th May 2009) was continuing and expanding;

f)    The Youth Crime Action Plan (YCAP) in collaboration with the Youth Outreach Team in Seacombe was proving successful;

g)  The Wirral Youth Theatre (WYT) “Swings & Roundabouts” Project (ref: Minute 56, Y&PSAC, 7^th May 2009) had been extended thank to support from Merseyside Police.  WYT are looking to develop break dancing, following funding from the Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) and pupils from Foxfield and Meadowside Schools were working towards their Bronze Arts Awards;

h)  “Response’s” STOP GAP programme for supporting homeless young people continues meet its targets, and funding for the project to continue through 2010 is being sought.  On the drug front, alcohol and cannabis are still at the top of the list, despite new usage trends. The Alcohol Worker reported engaging with 747 young people for advice and information;

i)    The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) was inspected by the Adventure Activity Licensing Authority (AALA), and has been awarded a licence to operate for the next two years. E-DofE is now up and running, providing integrated on-line access for participants, leaders, parents and operating authorities;

j)    This year’s international exchange with Hong Kong was now complete and had been successful.  Exchanges with Hong Kong began in 1992;

k)  The partnership with Wirral Metropolitan College for NVQs for Youth Support Workers continues, and on 16^th October 2009 the last cohort were presented with their City & Guilds Certificates by the Vice-Principal of the College;

l)    The Youth Participation Agenda continues to develop.  Recent events include a Residential at Trafford Hall where young people resolved to support and strengthen the District Youth Forums; the 4^th Youth Parliament; a debate with Elected Members in the Council Chamber on the perceptions of young people and four young people had been to the Old Trafford Football Stadium to meet the Secretary of State, Rt. Hon. Ed Balls.  There they were able to question him over Post 16 options, Advice and Guidance, the future of Connexions and Apprenticeships;

m)  A sub-group of the YOF/YCF Grant Panel were looking into ways to support  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

The Youth Service Officers spoke to a visual presentation to bring the Committee up to date with progress towards establishing the District Hubs and Clubs, and the opportunities for young people. The primary purpose is to strive towards the best possible services for young people.

The key themes were the active involvement of young people, relationships with the community, and partnerships with other agencies in both the statutory and voluntary sectors.

The officers also described quality assurance processes, lines of accountability and expected outcomes.

Members enquired about some pockets of South Wirral which did not appear to be as well served as other areas. Youth Service and the Commissioners were aware of the gaps, the major ones being resources and transport, and were seeking to address them.  In South Wirral, the YOF/YCF Grant Panel are looking to promote activities via the Voluntary and Independent sector, which is also under-represented in that area.

Resolved:

The Officers be thanked for their report.

The Acting Deputy Head of Service, Steve Chan presented the report of the Summer Holiday Playscheme activities, and drew the Committee’s attention to the following:

a)  There had been 19 playschemes across the Borough over the summer, attracting over 2,700 unique individuals. This was highest figure for 8 years;

b)  Recruitment for the summer 2010 playschemes will begin before Easter and it is hoped that a large number of trained and experienced staff will return;

c)  Changes in the OFSTED “Early Years Registration” criteria meant that the youngest children could not be accommodated.  This is hoped to be addressed for 2010;

d)  The Play Day, held on 5^th August in Birkenhead Park attracted almost 1,000 children and their families and helped to raise the profile of play.  2 Play Days are being considered for 2010.

Members congratulated the Play Service for a successful Summer.

Resolved:

That the Play Service be thanked for their report.

The Web Technical Officer, Sue Aubusson, explained that she had been appointed to develop a website targeted at 13-19 year olds in Wirral in accordance with the “Aiming High for Young People” requirement that young people can easily find out about local things to do and places to go.  The provisional launch date is early 2010.  A version for use on a mobile phone is also being considered.

Initially, the activities on offer would be provided by the local authority and would then expand to include opportunities offered by the voluntary sector and then the private sector.  Partner agencies, such as Connexions and Health Service, would also be contributing.  A video clip of a previous Y&PSAC Meeting could easily be uploaded.

Young people had had a big input into the design of the site, and they had looked at other authorities sites for ideas. Images of what the site could look like had been on display at the Youth Voice Conference. It was hoped to reach a wide audience, which would include parents, other professionals and Elected Members.

The site will seek to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), making websites accessible to and usable by disabled people

A marketing strategy was being developed to ensure young people and those working with young people know about the site, and policies for using social networking sites (SNS) were being developed.

Feedback from user was essential to gauge the effectiveness of the site, numbers likely to attend an activity and young people’s views on the activities.

Resolved:

i)  That the Web Technical Officer be thanked for her report; and

ii)  That a demonstration of website be shown at the next meeting, if possible.

The Youth Voice Conference and Youth Parliament had been held in the Town Hall on 13^th October 2009.  120 young people attended the conference where they had the opportunity to discuss policy and practice with leading figures from the Local Authority, Transport and the Press.  60 young people met with Elected Members in the Council Chamber over the issue of the public perception of young people.

The evaluation of the day is not yet complete, but initial conclusions are that young people valued the experience and learned a great deal.

On Sunday 1^st November, Wirral will be hosting the NorthWest Regional UKYP Young People’s Conference, again in the Town Hall.

The Executive Youth Board (EYB) are seeking to strengthen the District Youth Forums, and the Grant Panel will be meeting in November to examine applications to the YOF/YCF.

Dialogue continues between the EYB and Elected Members, and a route for the EYB to engage with the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee is being sought.

Members indicated that the EYB could seek feedback from Elected Members re: their experience of the Youth Voice Conference and Youth Parliament.

Resolved:

That everyone involved be thanked.

The Big Lottery Children’s Play Programme has been running now for seven months.  It is on track and meeting interim targets.

On the revenue side, all staff bar one have been appointed – recruitment is under way for the final post.  Now that winter has arrived, there is a shift from outdoor to indoor activity.

On the capital side, new equipment is being exceptionally well used.  A big slide and swings are being installed off Harrison Drive, which is proving exciting for the children. 

Promotion of the programme has been good, with quality photos in the press and coverage by BBC Radio Merseyside.

Resolved:

That the report be noted

The Chair drew the Committee’s attention to two issues which need to be on future agendas. They concerned homelessness and housing issues for young people and positively promoting the achievement of young people.

Resolved:

i)  that the next YAPSAC meeting be devoted to positively promoting the image/achievements of young people and that representatives from the public relations department and media be invited to this meeting.

ii)  That a future meeting be devoted to young people’s housing issues and that the Director of Regeneration be invited to this meeting

The next will be held at 5:30 pm on Tuesday 16^th February 2010, in Committee Room 3 of the Town Hall.

As previously agreed, this meeting is to be chaired by representatives from the Executive Youth Board.