Letters to the Editor: Labour should be praised for youth plans

The new plans, published as part of Labour's vision for Rebuilding Youth Services, also include pledges to support regional, national and international collaboration. Within the vision, the party outlines plans to maintain a close future relationship with the EU and co-operate with member states and other European countries to co-ordinate youth policy.

Members of the British Youth Council have stressed the importance of recognising European and global youth work in the UK, particularly initiatives that connect European affairs and young people's everyday lives.

Youth services across the country have been decimated since 2010.

Labour's comprehensive plan responds to the growing concerns of young people. Youth services need proper funding and a long-term vision so we can build a fairer, safer and stronger environment for younger generations.

We'd love to see more political parties making detailed offers to young people that directly address the multifaceted issues they face growing up in the UK.

Amanda Chetwynd-Cowieson, chair, British Youth Council


Colleagues pay tribute to youth work champion

We are shocked and sad that our friend and colleague Leon Mexter died suddenly recently. All our thoughts and best wishes are with his family and his colleagues at Youth Focus North East.

He leaves an enormous hole in the youth work world, with his unique mix of passion, fury and strategic thinking.

Leon was fundamental in the creation of the Network of Regional Youth Work Units (RYWUs).

He believed that local youth work organisations and local young people need regional voices and cannot rely solely on national organisations to represent their interests in policy and funding forums. He was clear that you need to inhabit a place and be part of what is going on there to fully understand the complexity of what makes youth work work.

He worked hard to establish the Network of RYWUs as a key part of the infrastructure of youth work. He transformed Youth Focus North East into an organisation that delivers innovative youth work and provides a strategic voice for youth work in the North East, with influence across England.

Those of us who worked with Leon know that he tests every new proposal or development in policy affecting young people against a set of principles that start with "how will it benefit young people - and especially young people in the North East?"

Those of us who have worked closely with Leon will continue to ask ourselves ‘What would Leon think and do?' as we engage with policy, funding and practice in the youth sector. His voice and influence will always be in our heads - but goodness, we will miss him being with us.

Network of Regional Youth Work Units