A Young Person’s Champion has been appointed to Worcester City Council to place issues such as child poverty, youth employment and the well-being of young people at the center of future decisions.
The move ensures that future city council policies and decisions are reviewed for their impact on children and young people.
Meet the Worcester Youth Champions
Cllr Matthew Lamb is the city’s first youth champion. He is currently the principal of a Sixth Form College in West Bromwich and has worked in the education sector for 25 years.
Cllr Lamb says, “It is a great honor to have been chosen to stand up for children and young people, and I will work tirelessly for them in our communities. I will try to listen to young people and learn their concerns so that we can better serve them in the Council and ensure that their voices are heard. “
You can contact the new youth champion by email This email address is being protected from spam bots! You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
School, education and learning
Worcestershire County Council has jurisdiction over these areas. For more information, including how to apply for a place at a school in Worcester, see Schools, Education and Learning.
Social welfare for children
Worcestershire County Council has legal responsibility for this area. See Children, Adolescents, and Families for more information about care and adoption and what to do if you are worried about a child or an adult who works with children
Support for young people in Worcester
The Worcester City Council youth intervention team visits schools and youth centers and speaks to young people in parks and open spaces. The team works to protect young people by making them aware of risks such as drugs, alcohol, sexual exploitation and abusive relationships.
You can contact the team by email This email address is being protected from spam bots! You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 01905 722065
Cell phone, mobile phone: 07788 570288
Always call 999 in an emergency.
A day in the life of…
Ann Nicholls heads the Worcester City Council youth intervention team. She explains what it’s like to be on the front lines during the pandemic, engaging with young people so they – and others – can stay safe.
“I was quite impressed with the behavior of the young people during the lockdown. I know not all will agree, and yes there is a minority that has been out to cause problems. However, the vast majority of the young people in Worcester have followed the rules.
Local partners share information with me on reports from young people who gather in groups in parks and open spaces. Having worked with young people in town for several years, I have already established relationships with some of those we meet.
To build trust, you have to listen to the young people too. We’re having the conversation and I’ll say, OK, while you can’t infect yourself with the coronavirus, you could still pass it on to someone close to you. Many of them have vulnerable relatives, and that gives them food for thought. I also emphasize the importance of hand washing – it is still the most important thing we can all do to prevent the virus from spreading.
We should not assume that all young people have safe and loving homes. You may be on the run from what is happening at home. Many are confused and depressed. Frustration grows as schools are closed and there are so many limits to what to do and where to go.
Parents need to talk to their children – and listen. Keep them informed of the situation, and most importantly, be honest. Establishing a routine is really important – don’t leave her in bed all day!
By keeping talking, working together and staying positive, we will overcome this crisis. Young people are our future – so it is in everyone’s interest to promote them as well as possible now. “
If you are concerned about the well-being of a young person, call the police on 101 now.
Activities for young people
Want to learn more about youth clubs, sports centers, dance, drama and more in Worcester? Check out what’s on offer at Find It Do It Worcester
Outdoor areas in Worcester
Are you looking for a park, a playground, a nature reserve or a soccer field? Information and maps are available at parks and green spaces
Free sports and games
Freedom Leisure, which operates the city council’s leisure centers in Perdiswell, St. John’s and Nunnery Wood, offers free sports and play activities for children and teenagers during the school holidays.
To learn more, go to Active Communities Worcester
Worcestershire training
The team supports young people who are looking for an internship or training, and employers who are considering training for their company.
You can search for vacancies in Worcestershire