Relief at Education Committee intervention

Members of the Youth Forum were in the public gallery on the 25th November 2015 to listen to the findings presented to the Education Committee in relation to a consultation into the future of the Youth Council for NI.

Young people are concerned for the future of Youth Work and have flagged their concern in relation to a consultation process which appeared to be biased.

Whilst young people understand the financial pressures that the Minister is faced with and fully support the need to direct more resources directly towards young people, there is concern that Regional Voluntary Youth Work organisations could be left very vulnerable if the Youth Council is abolished – especially given that there is no clear proposals with regards to what happens to its functions.

According to NICVAs cuts watch it is children and young people who are the big losers when it comes to cuts:

http://www.nicva.org/article/cutswatchni-results-are-coming

Youth Forum members welcome the committee’s comments and are committed to supporting young people to be at the heart of any proposals to reform and improve youth services.

http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/news-and-media/press-releases/youth-council-must-be-saved-says-committee/