A NEW partnership has sets out a vision for young people in Herefordshire.

Partners in the scheme recently came together to mark the launch of the first county-wide Youth Strategy, which has been developed by Herefordshire Council in co-operation with interested parties.

The partners’ have produced a document that aligns with the national Youth Matters strategy and sets out a shared partnership vision for the county.

The strategy aims to ensure every young person in Herefordshire has access to people who care, places to go, things to do, and meaningful opportunities to be seen, heard and influential in their communities.

The strategy includes a focus to develop youth spaces and ensure young people play a central role in shaping future services.

The strategy is based on four main priorities: Partnerships, governance and investment; welcoming, safe and accessible youth spaces; richer lives: creativity and opportunities for the county’s youth and workforce and practice best development.

As a predominantly rural county, Herefordshire faces unique challenges in ensuring young people can access services and opportunities.

The new scheme recognises these challenges and outlines plans to strengthen local youth provision through the creation of local stakeholder forums and develop virtual and mobile services to give greater accesses.

Acting as an initial plan, the strategy sets the foundations for engagement and partnership working over the next 12-months and is the driver for the development of a three-year strategy, due to be published towards the end of 2027.

Cllr Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council, said: "The launch of the Herefordshire Youth Strategy reflects the strength of partnership working across Herefordshire. It provides a clear roadmap and will help us build on the excellent work already taking place in communities across the county.

“Herefordshire Council has committed £400k to support the strategy and this funding will help to boost front line provisions, apprenticeship programmes, workforce engagement and help initiatives that support the futures of our young people.”

Cllr Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, added: "This scheme lays out the foundations of how we will work with organisations, our partners, our communities and our children and families to understand the barriers they are experiencing in their lives and in their communities and what their aspirations are for their future.

“It will help us to engage in those conversations and work with partner organisations to enable those aspirations to be achieved and those barriers to be overcome.”

Will Lindesay, chief executive of Herefordshire Voluntary Organisations Support Service said: “This scheme will guide us as partners when we’re planning support for young people and by working together as a collective.”

At a recent meeting of Ross-on-Wye Town Council members discussed Herefordshire Council’s request for a contribution towards a pooled county-level budget of £10,000-£25,000 for its new Youth Strategy and Local Forum.

Cllr Ed O’Driscoll said: “The ambitions of the youth strategy are admiral but until we know what the other market towns are offering in a way of contribution, we cannot commit to a sum.

“We are willing to support the proposal, but there needs to be polarity over the contributions being made.”