Wolverhampton Council leader: Why we have invested £200k into The Way Youth Zone

Wolverhampton Council today announced £200,000 worth of funding to support The Way Youth Zone each year. Here the council leader explains why.

I was lucky to have a great childhood in Liverpool. I was part of a tight knit family who gave me a fantastic start in life with strong values that I hold dear today.

As leader of the council in my adopted home of Wolverhampton, I gave an early commitment to ensuring children and young people also get the possible start in life.

I know investment in their early years will pay dividends for all of us in the future.

That's why it's so important that children from across our communities have the opportunity to make the most of what our amazing city has to offer and that's why I'm proud to announce the council's ongoing funding commitment to The Way.

All local authorities have had to make difficult decisions because of unprecedented financial pressures over the past eight years. In Wolverhampton we've reduced our revenue budget by more than £220m. However, we must prioritise in key areas and there's nothing more important to me than supporting our children and young people.

We've already provided £3.5m towards the development and running costs of the city's Youth Zone, The Way, and now I can confirm a further £200,000 every year for the next three years, so they can continue their fantastic work.

It's a lot of money. I know that, and youth facilities used to be very different when I was a boy. There's definitely still a place for community-led youth clubs and I thank all the dedicated volunteers and community groups that run them week in and week out. However, why shouldn't our young people, many of whom come from some of the city's most deprived areas, enjoy state of the art facilities? Why shouldn't we make sure they have the best available opportunities to enjoy in their free time? The Way offers just that. A purpose-built provision in the city centre offering young people between eight and 19 years old, and up to 25 for those with a disability, action packed activities 365 days of the year.

I'd have loved it when I was a kid. It would have been the stuff of dreams to show off my football skills on a 3G outdoor football pitch or scale an indoor climbing wall with my mates. Over 5,000 children use The Way every month paying just 50p a time.

That's why I believe our continued investment in The Way, which will be supplemented with a full summer programme of free and affordable activities for children and young people, is money well spent. I'm also reaching out to city businesses and organisations to join us on our journey in supporting our young people. The Way needs to secure further funding to realise a bright and exciting future. For a city that's all about its people I hope potential partners will give some thought about what part they can play in ensuring The Way continues to be the exceptional and special place it is for generations to come.

• Can you help? Visit The Way in School Street, call 01902 328290 or donate to their Just Giving page at justgiving.com/wolverhampton-youthzone.