Phil’s Outlook
The cost of living crisis seems to be really beginning to bite. Many individuals, families and organisations are feeling the pinch. The statistics around food bank usage and people falling into debt are truly scary, and there is no end in sight. Reducing inflation to “only” 5% is now seen as success, when for the last 10 years it has been well below that. All of this has led to disquiet and protest across many parts of the adult workforce as well as increased pressure on young people who are reacting to these pressures in various ways including increased anti-social behaviour, opting out of education or simply feeling overwhelmed by fears about their future.
During these challenging times for individuals, families and organisations, I wanted to reiterate the SCVYS support offer to you and your organisation:
- Our Development Support Team is here to help you with any and every query related to the running and development of your organisation. The team is knowledgeable and responsive, and it is rare to receive a query we haven’t had previously. Funding is almost always a priority for most organisations, so as well as proactively sending out relevant grant opportunities to members, we can also undertake a bespoke funding search for your organisation and your current funding needs. Contact your local development worker or office@staffscvys.org.uk for assistance.
- Our Youth Engagement Coordinator is keen to connect with young people wanting to express opinions on the issues that are important to them, and can also support you with peer-led mental health support training. Contact sean@staffscvys.org.uk for more information.
- Our PSHE Coordinator continues to support schools and education providers with resources and guidance enabling young people to get good information to help them make positive decisions in all the issues that they face. Contact natalie@staffscvys.org.uk for more details.
In this edition of our e news, you can find more information on:
- Our updated training offer, which SCVYS has funded from our reserves, as we know how important training is for our members to enable them to operate compliantly.
- Some exciting new projects for local young people to get involved in.
- An engagement opportunity for young people to feedback and shape future responses to local issues of serious violence.
- And lots more too.
Thanks for all you and your organisation does to support children, young people and families across Staffordshire. It is crucial throughout this time that young people have somewhere safe to go, something positive to do and someone trusted to talk to.