Wirral council are currently consulting on proposals for the next financial year, including plans to reduce its annual contribution to The Hive.

The latest budget proposals would see the council’s contribution to the charity reduce by half from £400,000 to £200,000 which would have a significant impact on the activities and services offered by the Youth Zone.

The charity, which is based at a purpose-built centre on Bright Street, provides activities and experiences for young people from across the borough. Since opening in 2017 the Youth Zone has had over ¼ million visits from members age 8 – 19 (up to age 25 for young people with a disability) and has raised aspirations, improved health and wellbeing, enhanced prospects and increased the confidence and self-esteem of young people.  

Hive Chief Executive Stuart Barnes said:

“Wirral’s young people need our support now more than ever. 

By working in partnership with the council, The Hive has been able to provide a vital lifeline for young people, providing thousands with engaging and positive activities, alongside targeted projects such as mentoring, school holiday clubs and employability support.

Access to trained and trusted youth workers at The Hive provide young people with support, guidance and a much needed someone to talk to. Our Youth Zone is often the only safe space for some of our most vulnerable young people and we’re deeply concerned about the impact the council’s cuts will have on our members and their families.

We must work together to make sure their needs are met now, or there will be major costs to health and welfare services in the future. 

 We would urge the council to work with us to find an affordable plan that will ensure our young people get the future they deserve.” 

Gill Pleavin, Head of Youth Work at the charity, added:

“If support falls away due to lack of investment, there will be serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of all. Since lockdown restrictions began in March 2020, when other services closed, the team at The Hive worked tirelessly to support young people and I am very proud to say that we continued our 365 day offer of support throughout the pandemic. We have seen first-hand that young people have been impacted significantly by Covid, not least in terms of mental health and have recently seen a 100% increase in young people requesting or being referred for one to one mentoring. If the proposed cut in funding is approved, it will mean that a significant amount of our work will be at risk and that local young people and their families will be impacted directly.’’

How can you help?

Please sign and share this petition.

Register and complete the Wirral Council Consultation (closing date 22nd January 2021) at www.haveyoursay.wirral.gov.uk

Write to your local councillor if you are a Wirral resident.