20 October 2010
Eastbourne YMCA is to take over providing council youth activities in a new deal agreed this week.
The council will transfer grant funding to the YMCA to run new and existing activities including sports sessions, clubs and events.
The funding package will see more than £40,000 a year transferred from the council’s Community Development budget to Eastbourne YMCA.
The plan was passed by Cabinet members who agreed the YMCA is well placed to apply for more grant aid as well as having the knowledge and expertise to run excellent youth activities.
The transfer also meets the challenges laid down by the Coalition Government to local authorities to work more closely with communities to create a ‘Big Society’ by using third sector organisations such as YMCA.
Council Leader, Cllr David Tutt, said: “The YMCA is already in a close and successful partnership with the borough council, so it makes sense to transfer existing funds to the YMCA to provide our youth engagement activities.
“As well as providing a high standard of diverse activities, the transfer will also be cost effective and will strengthen the variety of activities on offer in Eastbourne.”
Community Portfolio holder Cllr Margaret Bannister commented “As part of the Drive re-structuring process at the Council, the Community department has been looking at delivering its services in the most cost effective way, to provide value for money.
“The Council is committed, as part of its corporate plan, to providing activities for young people across the town. Commissioning partners to provide these activities is a really effective way of providing the best opportunities and experiences for the town’s youngsters and we welcome this partnership with YMCA.”
Eastbourne YMCA now plans to consult with local young people to find out what type of activities they would like to see and to seek more funding to deliver a “top rate service”.
Steve Puttock, Chief Executive of Eastbourne & Wealden YMCA, said: “Eastbourne and Wealden YMCA is delighted to have the opportunity to work with Eastbourne Borough Council, in reaching as many young people as possible in our town.
“We plan to offer a wide choice of activities, to address local needs and improve the lives of our young people and the communities in which they live.
“We will listen to what young people want and draw local community groups, schools and churches into the discussion. We will recruit key YMCA youth workers and establish local volunteer teams, seeking the funding necessary to deliver a top rate service which will be sustainable & measurable.”
The YMCA is already working in partnership with other youth focused agencies, including the Youth Support Team, Eastbourne Homes, the Towner Outreach Programme & YDS, which will add to and compliment the skills YMCA can bring as an organisation.
The YMCA’s Community Youth Services Manager, Jacy Kilvert, will head up the new council programme.
