PARENTS have spoken about their child's experiences of Youth Spaces in Wirral as more than 7000 young people have used the service.

Neighbourhood Youth workers provide a safe space for young people aged 11 to 19 years (and up to 25 for young people with disabilities) three times a week, between 6pm and 10pm.

Here they can talk to a Youth Worker for support and advice, participate in activities that promote learning, and generally develop their social and practical life skills, including confidence and self-esteem, while having fun and interacting with other youngsters.

'I think she has found her happy place'

With more than 500 sessions delivered so far, parents spoke about how Youth Spaces had impacted their children’s lives:

One parent said of her daughter’s experience of the service: "I just wanted to say that it has been a real lifeline for her. She suffers with anxiety and other mental health difficulties, finds it difficult to leave the house, travel in the car and meet people and after a long period of online youth group she felt ready to meet the youth worker in person. 

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"She attended two water sports sessions in West Kirby and it was quite an emotional experience for us to see her on the boat and swimming in the marina with her wet suit on and a big smile on her face. She has been suffering so much lately and youth club has been a great support to her throughout this time.

"I think she has found her happy place and is keen to go back. Also. what a lovely bunch of children they are; so kind, supportive and encouraging of each other.

"My daughter wanted to challenge herself and she did and she was really proud of herself afterwards and so are we."

Another parent whose son has enjoyed trying out some new challenges said: "I know my child thoroughly enjoyed both the water sports and reptiles, as he gave me quite a bit of feedback for both, which is a good sign as he is usually a child of few words and quite indifferent to everything.

"He also enjoyed the chance to try windsurfing and said he enjoyed the challenge of it."

Another parent said her daughter had become "more independent", while others described how their young people had grown in confidence.

Youth Spaces offer young people the chance to take part in:

  • Arts and crafts or performing arts sessions
  • Chilling out with friends, old and new
  • Playing sports including football, netball and table tennis
  • Day trips, big nights and gigs
  • Life skills sessions
  • 1:1 Intensive Youth Support/mentoring
  • Year 6 transition programmes/ 1-1 support within primary schools
  • Holiday activity Programmes offering a wide range of activities
  • Mental health and fitness programmes

Youth Spaces are delivered across Wirral in seven neighbourhoods of Wallasey, South Wirral, West Wirral, with the two Birkenhead areas commissioned and delivered by the Hive.

Young people aged 11-19 can access Youth Spaces for 50p or less a night.

For more information, or to access a Youth Space near you, click here.