Consultation on Government youth strategy

Children's Minister Beverley Hughes today launched a consultation to gather information, advice and views on the current youth sector support arrangements.

In July 2007 the Government launched 'Aiming high for young people: a ten year strategy for positive activities'. In order to deliver the improvements set out in the strategy the Government is now seeking views from professionals, volunteers and organisations working with, or set up for the benefit of young people.

The consultation will ask all those working with young people for their thoughts and experiences on:

• How to achieve better working between Government, national and regional organisations;
• How to help and encourage young people, particularly the most disadvantaged, influence policy making at national level;
• How to improve access to 'best practice' information and training opportunities;
• How to improve awareness of and access to funding and grants;
• Ensuring consistent quality without creating barriers for smaller organizations;
• Opportunities to access help, expertise, and resources offered by private individuals/organizations.

Beverley Hughes said: "This consultation is about listening to those who work directly with young people, and the organisations that support them, and how best we strive towards improving their services."

The consultation is open for 12 weeks, and responses can be submitted via the DCSF consultations website at:
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations/conDetails.cfm?consultationId=1525.