We have made changes to the youth service following lengthy consultation with young people and communities.

Our aim is to encourage more young people to access activities, while providing taxpayers with value for money.

There have naturally been concerns about how this will operate and I’ve attended many meetings where these have been expressed. The feedback from young people has been fundamental in how we changed the service, and now the focus is on how we will make the new model work in our own communities. To help prepare for the changes there will be a number of workshops to ensure area boards and community youth officers (CYOs) have all the tools they need to make the changes.

This week I was at Devizes Area Board where those interested in forming the Local Youth Network showcased what activities are possible for young people.

The LYN will include young people who will be a key part of the decision- making – ensuring young people have a strong voice.

It was also a chance to introduce Sally Willox, the newly appointed CYO who will co-ordinate activities and help support young people in Devizes. Such sessions are going on all over Wiltshire.

I’m pleased young people with additional needs will continue to have access to activities which will now be provided by Barnardo’s, Seeds4 Success and South Wilts Mencap across Wiltshire.

I wish everyone the best of luck and I look forward to catching up with young people and their communities and hearing how the new model is working over the coming months.