Newcastle launches 8-year scheme to support young people

Newcastle City Council has launched a new eight-year scheme to help support the city’s young people, with training opportunities, mental health support and safe play areas.

This follows a year-long project working with 1800 children and young adults to find out about their experiences growing up in Newcastle and what they need to help them develop.

The council has taken a whole-city approach with the plan, called Evry, uniting 20 partners across health, education, business, cultural and charitable sectors.

Speaking as chair of the Evry launch event, Cllr Sylvia Copley, Cabinet member for a Growing City, Newcastle City Council said: ‘I am so proud to be involved with the launch of the Evry plan. The commitments mentioned are just a flavour of the work we intend to do, with the help of partners, to create brighter futures for babies, children and young people across the city.

‘From providing families with community hubs to access support to enabling 16–21-year-olds to build a career via 500 new entry level opportunities by 2024, this plan showcases the positive impact we can all make when the city works together.’

The 500 entry level employment opportunities will be made available for 18–21-year-olds, delivered through a Collaborative Newcastle partnership between the council, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital Trust and Newcastle University.

Free holiday activities will be offered to under 19’s, incorporating learning, play, family events and cultural activities, as well as the £17m annual Holiday Activity Fund for children entitled to free school meals.

The council is also set to work with Greggs in providing a breakfast club for every primary school by 2026, enable young people to share their stories through social media and local press takeovers and deliver community activities through an annual £500,000 Youth Fund.

Additionally, a pilot will begin this year trialling free travel on the Metro and all bus networks for 360 18–21-year-olds who are care leavers, young carers or have English as a second language.

This will run alongside a summer scheme allowing under 11’s to travel free on the Metro with their parents.

There are plans for 400 work experience opportunities to be set up in cultural and hospitality sectors every year, targeting year 10 and 11 students from deprived communities.

An £18m annual investment will also go towards creating community spaces, baby and toddler groups, training, mental health support, midwifery and a network of Family partners to support those struggling.

The Evry plan will be officially launched today at Live Theatre, will see young people present findings of citywide consultation and issue a call to action.

They will ask businesses, charities, educational organisations and public bodies to make their further pledges that can have a positive impact on their lives.

Photo by Sam Balye