NYA Update: NYA support package to help local authorities reshape youth services
Monday, March 7, 2011
The National Youth Agency is developing a free offer to support local authorities in reshaping services for young people following budget reductions.
The support package, currently referred to as the Unified Offer, will bring together the National Youth Agency's specialist knowledge of young people, engagement, quality, and organisational development. It is being developed as part of the organisation's ongoing work with the Local Government Association, supported by top-sliced funding for local authorities.
Five local authorities around England — Croydon, Gateshead, Leeds, Sheffield and Shropshire — are working with the National Youth Agency to pilot the offer, which aims to ensure young people's services are flexible and responsive, and adaptable to local need.
Susan Quinn, national programme manager for the National Youth Agency, said: "Cuts are hitting youth services hard and we are keen to ensure that young people around the country still have access to a quality provision that caters to local need.
"Our support package will provide an integrated approach - helping councils, their partners and stakeholders to work together more effectively and efficiently, while taking into account new learning from across the sector, for the ultimate benefit of young people."
Development work is ongoing and the National Youth Agency is looking to launch the package early in the new financial year.
For further information, visit www.nya.org.uk/the-unified-offer or contact amandaf@nya.org.uk.
