A first step on our journey to support opportunities for young people was to bring together the National Youth Agency, Action 4 Youth and Community Impact Bucks with youth organisations from across Buckinghamshire at a digital event. We wanted to highlight expertise and approaches which would inform applications to our newly launched Strategic Fund, and create a forum to discuss some of the key topics currently impacting the sector.

Kevin Jones from the National Youth Agency was on hand to outline principles of high-quality youth work and how they might be cultivated through a practical curriculum. He emphasised that the process starts from where young people are at, their interests, goals and experiences, and focuses on personal and social development through an educational approach. Starting with a trusted relationship with young people chimes with our ambition to hear the voices of young people in our grant-making, and willingness to support organisations listening to young people as programmes and services are developed.

Looking at the curriculum through a local lens, Emily Davis, Director of Programmes at Action for Youth highlighted The Junction, a new project offering mentoring, counselling and activity sessions in an accessible location in High Wycombe library. The project underlines the value of collaboration and works across statutory, voluntary and private sectors. There was consensus that creating connections with peer youth organisations across the county was valued, and that the recently established Bucks Council youth networks would be vital to share intelligence on the issues facing young people, as well as resource and expertise within the sector.

You can access the recorded event here.