A Voice For Young People - Youth Strategy 2008-2012

Far reaching work to look at opportunities for young people in the district has led to the production of an important new draft Youth Strategy - and Dover District Council are seeking your views.

This major strategy for the next five years focuses on the areas young people have highlighted as the important issues affecting their lives. It has been developed taking into account the key national, regional and local strategies and policies that direct, influence and shape services for young people. The strategy follows extensive work with young people in the area and feedback from a wide range of organisations from the voluntary, community and statutory sector.

The Youth Strategy 2008-2012 will be delivered by a range of partners in the community, led by Dover District Council and Kent County Council. A Youth Strategy sub-group has been set up, and the Dover District Youth Forum is helping to progress this important work. Copies of the draft strategy have already been sent to a wide range of stakeholders and all feedback is welcomed and will be taken fully into consideration. The deadline for feedback is 7 May.

Cllr Mrs Julie Rook, DDC Cabinet Member for Citizenship, said: "The future of any community lies in the young people that live and work within it, and it is vital we make sure young people's voices are heard. The previous Youth Strategy was a great success, and this is our opportunity to build on that work, and ensure everyone in the community continues to work together to listen to young people and deliver services for the future."

KCC Cabinet Member for Community Services Mike Hill said: "It is very important that we listen to young people when addressing their needs and this strategy will ensure that we work together to improve their lives based on their ideas and opinions on the issues that affect them most."

For more information, or to have your say on the draft Youth Strategy, please see the Council website at www.dover.gov.uk or for further information please contact DDC Youth Officer Yvonne Holder on (01304) 872153 or email yvonneholder@dover.gov.uk.