Join the YOU Network

Do you run a safe space for young people in Salisbury? Join the YOU Network.

The YOU Network is Salisbury’s brand-new initiative to connect all the safe spaces, people and places available for young people in and around our city.

Created from over 12 months of work conducted by the Salisbury Youth Provision Forum, the YOU Network is about connecting all the people and organisations who run youth clubs, activities, events and youth work projects for young people ages 11 to 19, and up to 25 for people with SEND.

YOU Network Membership is open to youth organisations, churches, charities and clubs but also open to groups of volunteers and parents, and one organisation can register several projects if they provide more than one offer.

Between now and mid-September, the Youth Provision Forum Steering group, which includes representatives from Salisbury City Council, Wiltshire Council, Wiltshire Creative, RISE61 and local sports clubs, are calling for expressions of interest from anyone who would like to know more about being part of this network.

The YOU Network info pack says, “We are a network of organisations and groups providing spaces for young people in Salisbury and surrounding areas.

“Our mission is to say, through our collective actions, that Salisbury cares about its young people and they are welcome here.

“The YOU of our network is the Young People of Salisbury and we seek to place their voices at the heart of all our work.”

Membership is free and will give access to sign posting information, guidance on minimum standards, access to peer support from across the network and bring members together to look for ways to address training needs.

Sarah Gregson, Head of SCC Community Services said, “We hope the network will encourage smaller groups, churches and volunteers start up, or re-start youth clubs.

“There are already a range of groups interested in joining the network and now the net is being cast wide to find and connect with all those great people out there supporting young people ages 11 to 19, outside school.”

Claire Threadgold of Wiltshire Creative said, “We support the YOU network and connecting with other businesses as part of the collective. Together we can provide the young people of Salisbury a safe place to be themselves and show what their local area has to offer them.”

Jonathan Russell of the Buzz Action Foundation, a member of the YPF, added “This work is essential to ensure that Young People can access the invaluable resources available and then help shape the provision in the future. There are extremely talented people working with youth in the area, the network will help young people find their place in our city.”

Victoria Charleston, joint leader of SCC said, “I am acutely aware of the lack of provision for young people in our city. Once you are over five years old, it becomes difficult to find things to do and places to socialise. I hope the YOU network brings together all the opportunities in our city and enables them to grow.”

Anyone who is interested in the YOU network can find out more via the ALL Together Wiltshire website here, with links to a downloadable information pack and expression of interest form, or by emailing communities@salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk.