YOUNGSTERS are pleading with council chiefs to rethink cuts to Dorset's youth service budget.

Children who attend a youth club in Dorchester – one of 22 county council-run centres in the county – have spoken out over plans to slash services in the latest round of authority cost-cutting.

They fear it could lead to youth centres closing, pushing youngsters out onto the street and leading to an increase in anti-social behaviour.

A consultation was launched last month by Dorset County Council which said that budget reductions and increased demand means the council ‘simply cannot continue’ as it is. At least £1m is to be slashed from the youth budget.

Children and volunteers who attend the Dorchester Youth and Community Centre on Kings Road have spoken out about why the centre is important to them.

As well as providing a venue for children to meet with their friends, youth centres run activities and outdoor excursions, help teach youngsters important life skills with professionals able to offer advice and support.

Ellie Hall, 12, said: “It’s the only place where I can hang out with my friends that’s not school.
“It’s really important to me because it’s the only thing that helps get me through the week.”

As well as voicing their concerns, a group of children who attend Dorchester Middle School have started petitions to save the youth clubs.

They have been presenting assemblies to tell other pupils about the service and why it is important to them.

Different school year groups have a chance to gather once a week at the centre and a Saturday Club for children with disabilities is also available.

Libby Foxwell, 12, said: “It’s important because it gives you somewhere to go. It lets people be sociable.

“If there isn’t a youth club then there are more people meeting up in the streets.

“There would be more anti-social behaviour and because of the police cuts it puts more pressure on them as well.”

Ellie Jackson, 13, said: “I like it because its a place where I can do my homework.

“The volunteers are really nice and really friendly.”

Caitlin Short, 12, added: “We can get help about things like bullying or problems we might be having at home.”

Volunteers have also spoken out about how important the centres are.

Tash Price, 15, said: “It gives them somewhere safe to go. If it closes then there are probably more of a risk of them getting in to trouble, getting in to gangs and anti-social behaviour.”

George Wood who attends the Saturday Club said: “I’ve been going to it for about five years. I think the fact that it could be closing down is a great monstrosity.

“There are very few youth clubs I can go to.”

Have your say with consultation

DORSET County Council currently spends £2.2m on youth services and this needs to be reduced by £1m.

Currently there are 22 council-run youth centres employing 236 members of staff.

The authority wants to try and provide the same support with less money by working differently and more effectively, so it hopefully won’t have to cut services.

The council has said that its main duty is to support those with the greatest needs, so will focus resources on helping the most vulnerable.

A group of councillors has spoken out against the proposals and says that funding for future generations should be safeguarded because without them, youngsters in difficulty will be lost.

Cllr Paul Kimber, who is leading the calls, said: “Services for young people are the one thing we need to safeguard.

“Many young people in the county do have problems.

“It is up for review how best we can provide a service with less money – but I don’t believe we can.

“We have go to speak up.”

People have until Tuesday, October 27 to complete a survey as part of the consultation and can do so at dorsetforyou.com/youth-services-survey