Salisbury's brand new YOU Network is welcoming expressions of interest from safe spaces for young locals.
Following over a year of work by Salisbury Youth Provision Forum, the network aims to connect youth organisations, charities, clubs and volunteer groups catering for 11 to 19-year olds, and up to 25 for people with SEND.
The scheme, open to churches and parent groups as well, allows organisations to enlist multiple projects. Key players in the YOU Network include Salisbury City Council, Wiltshire Council, Wiltshire Creative and RISE61.
Alongside this are local sporting institutions, representing the diverse scope of the initiative. This call out, ongoing until mid-September, highlights the collaborative ethos of the YOU Network.
Membership promises sign-posting information, guidance on maintaining high standards and invaluable peer support from across the network.
The YOU Network info pack said: "We are a network of organisations and groups providing spaces for young people in Salisbury and surrounding areas.
"Our mission is to say, through our collective actions, that Salisbury cares about its young people and they are welcome here. The YOU of our network is the Young People of Salisbury and we seek to place their voices at the heart of all our work."
Sarah Gregson, Head of SCC Community Services said: "We hope the network will encourage smaller groups, churches and volunteers start up, or re-start youth clubs.
"There are already a range of groups interested in joining the network and now the net is being cast wide to find and connect with all those great people out there supporting young people ages 11 to 19, outside school."
Claire Threadgold of Wiltshire Creative said: "We support the YOU network and connecting with other businesses as part of the collective. Together we can provide the young people of Salisbury a safe place to be themselves and show what their local area has to offer them."
Jonathan Russell of the Buzz Action Foundation, a member of the YPF, said: "This work is essential to ensure that Young People can access the invaluable resources available and then help shape the provision in the future.
"There are extremely talented people working with youth in the area, the network will help young people find their place in our city."
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