Thousands of young people on the Wirral could lose vital lifeline if planned cuts go ahead

It's feared Council cuts could mean thousands of young people across the Wirral will lose out on vital support when they need it most.

A budget consultation which includes plans to cut £200,000 from youth services ends today and we've been told all of that is being pulled from The Hive in Birkenhead.

Throughout the pandemic the centre is supporting 23,000 young people every week .

Alex Toland turned to them at one of the most difficult times of her life; when her dad died and says it's worrying others may not get the same help:

"I was a very isolated person grieving the loss of my dad. I was very scared to open up to anyone. People think the Hive is a youth club but it's so much more.

"They provide employment, they provide support to young people that they've never had on the Wirral before.

"They're doing food parcels and isolation packs for young people who are isolating because of coronavirus and if that funding gets taken away then people are struggling because of furlough and people can't always afford the food that they need."

Hive Chief Executive Stuart Barnes said:

“Wirral’s young people need our support now more than ever.

"By working in partnership with the council, The Hive has been able to provide a vital lifeline for young people, providing thousands with engaging and positive activities, alongside targeted projects such as mentoring, school holiday clubs and employability support.

"Access to trained and trusted youth workers at The Hive provide young people with support, guidance and a much needed someone to talk to. Our Youth Zone is often the only safe space for some of our most vulnerable young people and we’re deeply concerned about the impact the council’s cuts will have on our members and their families.

"We must work together to make sure their needs are met now, or there will be major costs to health and welfare services in the future.

"We would urge the council to work with us to find an affordable plan that will ensure our young people get the future they deserve.”

The Hive has benefited from a ‘collaborative private-public funding model’ and evaluation has shown that every £1 invested by the council is worth ‘at least an additional £6 for the young people of Wirral’.

Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Janette Williamson, said:

“If it was solely my choice this council would not be looking at any of the cuts being put forward in this consultation but the council’s financial situation is to a very great extent out of our hands. The whole authority now faces really hard decisions to ensure a balanced budget, one which meets our legal obligations, is able to be passed.

“These options have been put forward by the council committees overseeing all the services involved, with all parties taking part.

“But while there is no disguising the fact that this year’s budget is going to be incredibly difficult I can guarantee to everyone who takes part in this consultation that your opinions matter to us. This consultation is a vital part of the budget setting process and the opportunity for the people of Wirral to have their say on the options before any final decisions are made.”

Members of the public are being encouraged to participate in the budget options consultation which continues until January 22, and they can do so quickly and easily at https://haveyoursay.wirral.gov.uk/