The extent of self-harming, bullying and worrying about the future among young people in York has been laid bare in a strategy which aims to support them.

Wednesday, 19 February 2025 17:50

By Joe Gerrard

Young people surveyed for York Council’s Youth Strategy said they felt as though they did not belong in the city and services such as transport did not cater to them.

The leading worry amongst secondary school and sixth form pupils was what might happen to them later in life along with their appearance, according to strategy document.

Council public health lead Peter Roderick said their survey illustrated young people’s challenges, while the strategy aimed to help them through what could be a difficult stage in life.

It follows the council’s adoption of its strategy, dubbed ‘Young People Belong in York’, which is backed by £40,000-a-year over three years in local authority funding.

The strategy aims to help youth and community organisations and others provide young people with safe places to be with their friends, a range of activities and support.

A Local Youth Partnership between the council and organisations aims to link young people with them and to attract funding into York to support the city’s youth offer.

It also pledges to give young people a voice in shaping the strategy, with a ‘give it a go week’ and a ‘cultural passports’ programme among suggested initiatives.

The strategy, which was adopted late last year, is aimed at the 34,612 children and young people in York, of which 14,673 are aged between 11 and 17.

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