UNISON Cymru/Wales pledged to defend youth services today, at a major conference highlighting the need for youth work provision in Cardiff.
The conference was organised by UNISON and the In Defence of Youth Work campaign, and attracted delegates from across the country.
UNISON Cymru/Wales head of local government Dominic MacAskill said: ”Youth services provide support for young people who are often hard to reach in our communities. They help to provide development, skills and opportunities to many young people who might otherwise slip through the net. The role that these services play is significant but often underestimated.
“Unfortunately we have not been able to register everyone who wanted to attend this event today because of the huge amount of interest we have had. But that just goes to show how important an issue this is in Wales.
“Young people are already facing a difficult future. Youth unemployment continues to soar, the cost of living continues to increase, and young people are feeling more disconnected than ever before.
“Youth work is a vehicle to help tackle those key challenges and access, support and enhance the lives of often disadvantaged and vulnerable young people, and that must continue.
“We owe it to young people and the communities they live in throughout Wales to defend youth services and that is exactly why this conference has been organised today.
“Youth unemployment and a lack of opportunity for young people is no good for the individuals affected or the wider community or the economy at large.”
Youth and community expert Dr John Rose said: ”We have organised the conference at a time when young people are facing unprecedented challenges.
“A universal youth service needs to be seen as an obligatory right for every young person.”
