Major £723,000 investment to boost youth services in Peterborough
The city is one of just 12 local authorities chosen by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Young people across Peterborough are set to benefit from a major boost to youth services following a successful funding bid by Peterborough City Council.
The city is one of just 12 local authorities chosen by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to launch a Local Youth Transformation Pilot (LYTP), part of a national £88 million investment aimed at helping young people reconnect with their communities and build key life and work skills.
Peterborough has been awarded just over £723,000 through the initiative, which will fund projects designed to strengthen youth services and increase opportunities for young people across the city.
Since securing the funding, the council has been working closely with the National Youth Agency (NYA) and local partners to identify key priorities, including:
- Workforce development and training
- Better access for young people in rural areas
- A new city-wide youth partnership
- A young person-led website to promote youth services
Subject to cabinet approval, the council will now begin developing these proposals and is inviting local businesses, community groups, and organisations to get involved in delivering the new youth offer.
"vitally important"
Councillor Katy Cole, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “The fact that Peterborough is one of just 12 authorities to be granted funding for this vitally important scheme, shows that the government shares our thorough commitment to supporting young people.
"We are actively working to develop a local youth offer which addresses the needs of young people in Peterborough and supports government priorities. Our youth offer will reflect the changing needs of young people, enabling them to develop new skills for life and work."
As part of the LYTP, the council plans to host a Youth Summit, bringing together young people, stakeholders, and partners to shape the future of youth provision in Peterborough.
Other initiatives will include training and workshops with local employers to build a skilled and diverse youth workforce, as well as funding support for grassroots and community-led schemes to enhance their existing services.
To reach young people in more rural parts of the area, a ‘Youth Bus’ will deliver pop-up sessions, providing mobile access to activities and support.
In addition, the council plans to establish a Peterborough Young People’s Foundation (YPF) to coordinate youth services, partnerships, and funding, alongside a new website designed and managed by young people to promote youth opportunities across the city.
Organisations interested in getting involved in the initiative are encouraged to contact Peterborough City Council to find out more about partnership opportunities.