To build on this strong foundation, the 2018-2022 Youth Plan has been adopted by Council and outlines current services for young people aged between 12 to 24 years.
Council recognises young people as valuable contributors to our community and is committed in assisting them to achieve wellbeing, build a capacity for resilience, develop positive self-esteem and make meaningful connections with others.
Opinions and ideas were collected from more than 718 young people, parents/carers, community members and service providers in Clarence through written and online surveys, focus groups and conversations.
The plan also identifies future services required to support the growth and development of young people across the city. Key themes were identified through consultation with young people, parents/carers and service providers. These include, ‘working together’, ‘giving young people a voice’, ‘getting help, ‘feeling safe’ and ‘employment, education and training’.
Working together with partners and networks is an ongoing goal when planning and implementing youth focussed activities, events and programs. This will include exploring opportunities with services who work with minority groups such as young people who have a disability or come from a culturally diverse background.
Another goal included in the plan is to better enable young people to have a voice and become more connected, engaged and active within their respective and collective communities. This includes forming a special committee of Council to facilitate the exchange of ideas, information, knowledge and skills between young people and Council.
Acting Mayor, Alderman Heather Chong said support for young people and those who take care of them was crucial to the overall wellbeing of the city and its residents.
“The Youth Plan establishes strategic direction for council and is an opportunity for us to provide encouragement, support and increase engagement in working with young people and their families in a school or community setting,” Acting Mayor Chong said.
The plan can be read in full on Council’s publications page at webpage under ‘Community’ www.ccc.tas.gov.au/community/