Young people across Nottingham are set to benefit from a major expansion of youth support and enrichment opportunities, with new investment helping more children and young people access trusted support, develop new skills and take part in positive activities in their communities.
The investment will see youth provision significantly expanded across the city, with 40 Youth and Development Workers operating in neighbourhoods across Nottingham. Youth workers will be based in community spaces, schools and on the streets, helping young people access support where and when they need it.
Alongside this, Nottingham City Council is launching a new enrichment programme that will increase access to music, arts, sport and leadership opportunities for children and young people, particularly those from low-income families and groups who are less likely to participate in these activities.
The initiative forms part of Nottingham City Council’s wider £7.6 million programme of investment in frontline services, focused on supporting residents and communities with the cost of living and improving access to help where it is needed most.
The enrichment programme is expected to support over 1,000 children and young people in its first phase and forms part of a wider ambition to ensure every child has access to opportunities that help them thrive, regardless of their background.
Together, the expanded youth support offer and enrichment programme will strengthen communities, improve wellbeing and help young people build confidence, resilience and aspirations for the future.
The expanded youth support offer will provide:
Support and guidance from trusted adults in local communities
Opportunities to develop skills, confidence and wellbeing
Access to careers advice and practical support
Safe, positive activities in community settings
The enrichment programme will focus on three key areas:
Expanding access to music opportunities across the city, including support during key transition points in education
Developing and delivering a new leadership programme for children and young people
Increasing awareness and uptake of arts, sports and other enrichment opportunities through targeted promotion and engagement with families and schools
Working with schools, community organisations and delivery partners, the programme will help remove financial and practical barriers that can prevent children and young people from taking part in enrichment activities. It will also build on Nottingham’s strong network of community, cultural and educational partners to create opportunities that support wellbeing, attendance, attainment and future aspirations.
The programme will initially target children and young people who are least likely to engage in enrichment activities, helping to create more equitable access to opportunities that broaden horizons, strengthen a sense of belonging and improve life chances.
By bringing youth support directly into neighbourhoods and expanding access to enrichment activities, the Council aims to ensure that all young people, regardless of where they live, can access the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
Councillor Linda Woodings, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “This is a significant investment in Nottingham’s young people and their future.
“We’re expanding youth support across our communities so that more young people can access trusted adults, practical help and positive opportunities close to home.
“At the same time, we’re creating more opportunities for children and young people to take part in music, sport, arts and leadership activities that build confidence, develop skills and raise aspirations.
“We know that early support and positive experiences can make a real difference to a young person’s life. This investment is about ensuring more young people can access those opportunities, helping them thrive and reach their full potential.
“By investing in our young people, we’re also investing in stronger, safer and more connected communities across Nottingham.”
The expanded youth provision and enrichment programme will be rolled out over the coming months, with activity tailored to the needs of local communities and schools across the city.
