Hackney,
23
July
2014
|
12:41
Europe/London

Young people give Hackney's youth service the thumbs up

Young Hackney Hoxton Hall

Young people have given Hackney’s youth service a glowing endorsement, with nearly 85% rating it good, very good or excellent.

Almost 400 young people took part in Young Hackney’s survey, which asked for their thoughts on activities and provision in the borough. The survey was carried out in schools and at voluntary sector and Council-run young people’s centres.

They were particularly enthusiastic about staff at the centres, with nearly 95% rating them 4 out of 5 or 5 out of 5 for friendliness and 91.3% for knowledge.

The results following the full roll-out of targeted sessions and projects and activities aimed at all young people at Hackney’s five youth hubs. The hubs are spread across the borough and were built or rebuilt following input from members of Hackney Youth Parliament.

The programme of activities over the summer includes activities are varied as: climbing, residentials, sports, arts and multimedia, wheelchair basketball, cycling maintenance and cookery. Most of the sessions are free, and most centres are open until 8.30pm during the week, with additional daytime activities over the weekend.

The centres' trained staff also run targeted sessions to help young people who may be having problems at home or are dealing with other difficulties in their lives.

Hackney Youth Parliament member, Ife Grillo, 16 said: “A lot of work has gone into youth clubs and provision and I'm delighted to see young people are responding positively. I have to thank all the youth workers for how tirelessly they work and for being dedicated to improving the lives of young people in Hackney.

"It's important that we have surveys like this as if something effects young people, I feel they have a right to help influence and shape it. We'll take into consideration the areas young people felt could be improved but overall, I'm very pleased''

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Cabinet Member for Children's Services
We’re delighted that young people rate their youth service so highly. Despite unprecedented cuts, we’ve been able to increase the opening hours of our youth hubs and maintain provision, and these results show that this hard work is paying off. Most of the activities on offer are open to all young people, so I’d encourage anyone who’s not been to one of the Young Hackney centres to go along and find out more.
Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Cabinet Member for Children's Services

Results from the survey will be put to newly-elected members of the Youth Parliament after elections in October.

There is still time for young people to put themselves forward as candidates – application forms can be downloaded from www.younghackney.org.