Kirklees Council is set to invest up to £1million in fantastic facilities for young people.

Cabinet members are being asked to approve the funding, which would ensure every child and young person in the district could access safe places, learning opportunities and fun activities.

The money would be used for providing grants to local organisations, who would then deliver and expand youth services on the council’s behalf.

The scheme, called ‘Youth Places To Go’, would lead to the development of new facilities and the extension of those already in place.

Cllr Carole Pattison, Cabinet member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities, said: “Youth services around the country have been stripped back in recent years, but here in Kirklees we are investing heavily in our young people.

“Our goal is to give them a huge array of opportunities and lots of places to meet friends in a safe environment which supports their physical and mental health.

“We will make sure there are inclusive places for all, offering social and learning activities to inspire young minds.

“Youth Places To Go will be developed based on the views of children and young people themselves, as well as parents, families, the voluntary sector and our other key partners.

“We already have a network of providers doing very good work, but this is a brilliant chance to strengthen those links and build on the current offer alongside our highly valued community groups.

“We will be increasing what’s available in local areas, supporting local organisations – many of whom struggle for funding – and focusing on the things that make the biggest difference to our young people.

“This is an exciting development and will vastly improve youth facilities across Kirklees. It’s about helping young people to have the best start in life, to aspire, achieve and find excellent support within their own communities.”

The council would look into providing mobile services to reach young people in the most rural areas, as well as removing barriers so that young people from marginalised groups, such as those with special educational needs and disabilities, are supported to attend.

It is also planned that two new Youth Places To Go centres – one in Huddersfield and one in North Kirklees – could be provided at a later date with further investment.

A decision on approving the Youth Places To Go scheme will be made by Cabinet members on November 16th.