A LEADING figure behind a non-for-profit youth network has said Coventry’s young people must be supported amid national funding cuts.
Rashid Bhayat, founder of and chief executive of the Positive Youth Foundation – which is leading the Coventry Youth Partnership – said the network will be a national standard bearer for a collaborative approach to youth work.
The foundation will run youth centres and targeted interventions in the city due to Coventry City Council being unable to run the service as a result of cuts in national funding.
Mr Bhayat said the voluntary sector will however work closely with Coventry City Council and other key stakeholders to deliver high quality services.
He added: “It is vital that high-quality youth work is delivered across the city, and the Coventry Youth Partnership will provide that.
“Even though it is a non-statutory service, Coventry City Council recognised its importance and has been instrumental in the creation of the partnership.”
Founded in 2011, the Positive Youth Foundation works with 2,500 young people.
The company claims that figure will rise to 5,000 as a result of the charity’s new partnership.
The partners include organisations delivering specialist services, creative programmes, sport and mentoring services.
Mr Bhayat said: “Each and every young person in the city deserves a chance in life and a safe place to go – this partnership of 20 agencies will help to provide that.
“We will work to ensure that no young person is left behind.”
