Youth Strategy

Vision

Every young person in Cheshire West and Chester will have the opportunity to thrive, supported by an inclusive, accessible, and inspiring youth sector that is co-designed with them, responsive to their needs, and rooted in strong partnerships across our communities.

We envision a borough where:

• mental health and wellbeing are prioritised, with early intervention, safe spaces, and nature-based activities supporting every young person’s emotional resilience
• youth voice and influence is embedded at every level, ensuring young people shape the services they use and are empowered to lead change
• careers, education, and life skills are accessible to all, raising aspirations and preparing young people for a positive future
• transport and accessibility are no longer barriers, with creative solutions ensuring every young person can participate fully, wherever they live
• promotion and awareness are driven by young people, making information about opportunities clear, engaging, and available to all
• a skilled, valued workforce is supported and sustained, with investment in training, wellbeing, and sector resilience
• diversity and inclusion are at the heart of all we do, with services that celebrate difference and ensure every young person feels safe, accepted, and seen
• safe spaces and belonging, both physical and digital, are co-designed with young people, fostering connection, creativity, and confidence
• partnership working is the norm, not the exception, with joined-up services and shared values ensuring no young person falls through the gaps

Together, we will build a future where every young person feels heard, supported, and inspired to achieve their potential, no matter their background, identity, or circumstances.

Governance

The Youth Strategy 2026-2030 will be delivered by the Youth Partnership board that is a multi-agency group that has been established to oversee the development and implementation of youth work provision across Cheshire West and Chester.

The Youth Partnership Board is part of a wider governance structure that is show below:

Young People	C&YP Board	Peoples Overview & Scrutiny
Youth Partnership Board
VCSF Sector	Young People	Statutory service & education

As well as the key governance pathways there are a number of interdependencies and links that the Youth Strategy 2026-2030 will support

Strategy	Summary
Corporate Parenting Strategy	Outlines CWAC’s commitment to children in care and care leavers, ensuring they are supported like any good parent would. Focuses on health, education, housing, and participation.
SEND Strategy	Aims to create inclusive opportunities and timely support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Developed with families and young people.
Children’s and Young People’s Plan	Sets out shared priorities across agencies to improve outcomes for children and young people, focusing on wellbeing, inclusion, and early help.
Safeguarding Children Business Plan	Focuses on protecting children from harm through multi-agency collaboration, with priorities like contextual safeguarding and tackling exploitation.
Children and Young Peoples Plan	Provides targeted support to families and young people to prevent issues from escalating, including mental health, domestic abuse, and school exclusion.
Cheshire West and Chester Borough Plan	A high-level vision for a fairer, greener, and stronger borough. Youth priorities align with goals around opportunity, wellbeing, and community safety.
Place Plan	A joint NHS and Council strategy to improve health and reduce inequalities. Emphasizes early intervention and support for young people’s mental health.
Youth Justice Services Three Year Plan	Strategic plan outlining Cheshire Youth Justice Service’s priorities for 2025-2026, focusing on Child First principles, trauma-informed practice, youth diversion, victim support, and multi-agency collaboration