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Young people protest against cuts to Rotherham's youth services

1 min read Youth Work
Young people in Rotherham are staging a demonstration today (6 January) to protest about possible cuts to youth services in the area.

Young people from seven youth clubs are involved in the demonstration, which will take place at three centres, including Dalton Youth Centre, and is being supported by the union Unison.

The council has yet to issue firm plans surrounding cuts, but a spokeswoman said: "In these tough times we are having to consider all services, and unfortunately, our youth services are not immune from these reviews.

"However, because we respect our young people and their views, we will obviously share the implications of any proposed changes with them via our regular meetings with the Rotherham youth cabinet."

John Wayne Fielding, 18, a volunteer at the centre and one of the organisers of the demonstration, said: "Already we believe that one in three of our Connexions personal advisers look like they are going and there are real fears that centres will be closed and youth workers will lose their jobs."

He added that the so far more than 500 signatures had been collected on a petition against cutting funding for youth services.

Carole Maleham, Unison's Rotherham branch secretary, added: "There have been no concrete plans but cuts are expected. It may well be that we have to be more creative with how we provide youth services and we are working with the council to ensure that young people still get a good service.

"Councillors know that the youth service is important as families fragment. They realise that there are not the jobs and opportunities for young people that there used to be in the area."

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