Bracknell

Young people make a major contribution to life in the borough and are an asset to the local community according to a report published by Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Lifelong Learning and Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

Over the last year the panel has been reviewing youth services in Bracknell Forest. It looked at how the borough’s 6,500 children and young people aged between 11 and 17 engage in positive community and voluntary activities.

The panel consulted widely including Bracknell Forest Youth Forum, Brakenhale School Council, Sandhurst School Council, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Thames Valley Police and Council’s own Education, Children's Services and Libraries department.

Cllr Mrs Gill Birch, Chairman of Lifelong Learning and Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny, said: "Our objective was to raise the profile of our young people and recognise their strengths and contribution to our community.

"I was pleasantly surprised at the range and depth of their activities and commitment to others. All too often our perception of young people is not positive.

"The panel met with articulate and enthusiastic young people who told of their extensive community and voluntary work.

She said: "This ranged from helping brothers and sisters, helping at school with additional responsibilities, organising activities and events at youth clubs, charity events, and helping elderly neighbours with shopping and other domestic chores.

"What this report confirms is that we have a population of young people that we can be proud of. Evidence presented to us showed that it is only a very small percentage of young people who cause problems.

She added: "We are rightly proud of all the facilities we provide for our young people. We should also be proud and grateful to all our youth workers and adult volunteers who work hard to support all our young people in their activities."

Cllr Dr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children's Services, said: "This report makes the important point that there are many young people in our borough ready and willing to make a positive contribution.

"It also underlines the great range of activities already available to young people in our borough.

"We will do everything possible to involve young people in the decisions we make and to ensure the range of opportunities open to them continues to grow."

The report also details many of the improvements the young people would like to see in services and the new Bracknell town centre. They would like a no-alcohol club or youth café in the town centre as well as improved transport.

Their report will be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Commission later this month. The Commission may then decide to make recommendations to the Council's Executive.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council