Cornish MPs Welcome £8 Million For Youth Services To Tackle Online Challenges

New funding set to tackle online pressures and rebuild youth provision

Cornwall is among just 12 areas across the country chosen to help shape a new £88 million national programme aimed at improving the lives of young people.

As part of the first phase of the Government’s new National Youth Strategy, Cornwall Council will receive £8 million this autumn to help support and develop youth services. The funding is intended to rebuild provision that has been lost over the last 14 years and address the growing challenges young people face in a digital-first world.

The investment will help expand extra-curricular opportunities in schools and improve both existing and new community-based youth services. Activities could include sport, art, debating and volunteering, with a focus on helping young people develop confidence, resilience and real-world connection.

Cornwall chosen to help shape national policy

Cornwall Council is one of 12 ‘Pathfinder’ local authorities selected to lead the pilot stage of the programme. It will work with a dedicated expert delivery partner to shape how the national scheme could look as it rolls out further across the country.

South East Cornwall MP Anna Gelderd welcomed the investment, highlighting the challenges facing young people today:

“Growing up in the modern world, young people face mounting challenges online and can become increasingly disconnected from their physical communities.

“This much-needed funding will make real improvements to the lives of young people in Cornwall. Being physically present teaches the next generation vital skills that no algorithm can replicate.”

Anna is also continuing to champion Cornish identity, having introduced a Cornish Language and Heritage Bill to Parliament. It aims to widen access to learning the Cornish language and promote understanding of local culture, places and history.

Local MPs respond

Perran Moon, MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, also welcomed the support following recent closures:

“This is simply great news for young people across Cornwall. In Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, we’ve seen a steady decline in youth services with youth clubs shutting down, in Hayle’s case earlier this summer. I’m delighted that this Labour Government has recognised the challenges young people face and has provided £8m to pilot the Local Youth Transformation programme.”

Jayne Kirkham, MP for Truro and Falmouth, added:

“Fantastic to be part of this government pilot project and have Cornish children prioritised for support.”

Meanwhile, Noah Law, MP for St Austell and Newquay, reflected on the loss of services over the years:

“It’s so good to have much needed support coming back into these services after them having seen them slashed in recent years – it’s sad to think that so many of the youth services I benefitted from just 15 years ago were dismantled. Young people today are growing up in a digital-first world and not loving it – it’s time we helped build back those personal connections in our community and enabled local youth leaders to expand what’s on offer.”

Next steps

The £88 million National Youth Strategy aims to restore support for young people’s health, wellbeing and personal development. Cornwall’s £8 million share is expected to be delivered this autumn.

Cornwall Council’s involvement in the pilot phase is expected to help shape how the scheme is rolled out across the country in future.