Case Study 2

Project: Youth & Play Review

Client: South Somerset District Council

Outline: The Youth and Play Review studied facilities and programmes provided and supported by the District Council, Somerset County Council, and the voluntary sector for children and young people from 5 to 18. It included the production of District Council Policy Statements and a joint 5 year Action Plan based upon the contributions of the District council and its partners.

Our Approach: The process involved a wide consultation process with all agencies. This was undertaken in relation to two age bands, 5-13 and 14-18, in recognition of the often quite distinct agencies involved with these two age ranges. The consultation involved the agencies responsible and working with children and young people, as well as direct consultation with young people.

An audit was undertaken of facilities and programmes for these two age ranges and joint workshops were held with all agencies in attendance. This led to an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of provision when the contribution of all partners was assessed and the production of an Action Plan playing to the strengths of individual partners and aimed at plugging gaps in provision.

Benefits: With so many agencies involved in work with children and young people the scope for confusion and lack of co-ordination is high. This process led to improved understanding and communication and resulted in 2 ongoing District-wide forums of key agencies committed to working together in the interests of young people.

The joint Action Plan meant that resources and provision were not duplicated and gaps in provision were identified and resources targeted to fill these. Agreements were derived to make the most of the individual strengths of the partners, and thereby to identify lead roles for different aspects of work and avoid duplication. The views of young people were taken as of paramount importance in relation to the development of the Action Plan.