Warwickshire County Council has highlighted the achievements of its Youth Service as part of this year’s Christmas Countdown campaign, a seasonal calendar which promotes local services and wellbeing resources. The focus on youth provision supports the wider ambition for Warwickshire to become a Child Friendly County in which young people feel heard, happy, healthy, skilled and safe.
Day 8 of the calendar, released on 8th December 2025, featured the dedicated team of professionally qualified youth workers who operate across urban centres including Nuneaton and Bedworth and in rural communities. The team works with young people aged 1–118 and focuses on early help, skill development and wellbeing so that concerns can be identified and supported at an early stage.
Between November 2024 and December 2025 the Youth Service delivered 1,181 youth club and street based sessions. More than 12,000 young people attended these sessions in youth centres, parks and town centres. Activities include recreation, mentoring and guidance. Youth workers carry Warwickshire County Council identification and support Warwickshire Police during evening patrols in high footfall areas.
Work in schools formed a significant part of the programme. The service provided 177 group sessions in 15 secondary schools and made nearly 2,300 connections with pupils. Every school asked for the sessions to return. The content addresses mental health, employability, social skills and aligns with the county’s Education Strategy 2024 to 2029 which aims to expand life opportunities for young people and those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The service also supported 25 voluntary youth clubs and offered training for youth workers. Stronger partnerships have been developed with schools, health services, police, district councils and voluntary organisations to ensure young people access the right help. Collaboration with the Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board means services can signpost young people to mental health support including the Rise wellbeing programme.
Local provision has been strengthened through recent grants from the Youth Club Grants programme. Grants of between £3,000 and £5,000 have supported staffing and rentals. Cubbington Youth Club, established in 2024, reported increased attendance and a drop in antisocial behaviour after receiving support. A spokesperson described the club’s recent progress and noted that young people were attending more consistently.
These efforts connect with national initiatives. Youth Work Week 2025 took place from 3rd–9th November under the theme Building Brighter Futures. The week, led by the National Youth Agency, recognised the contribution of youth work in building confidence and resilience. In Warwickshire it demonstrated the county’s commitment to the Child Friendly Warwickshire programme which aims to place young people at the centre of local decisions. Partners from business and community groups contribute to this programme to widen opportunities and improve safety, health and happiness.
Impact data has been positive. Around 90% of young people said their youth worker helped them make positive changes in their lives. Participants described the service as “amazing, supportive, and a lovely place to be”. Feedback shows that the sessions reduce isolation, especially since the pandemic, and help with transitions to training and employment.
A related scheme, the Future Destination Hub, is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Between October 2024 and March 2025 the hub engaged 132 young people aged 16–24. Seventy six accessed basic skills training. Sixty four searched for work. Seven secured employment.
Warwickshire County Councillor George Finch, Leader and portfolio holder for children and families, said: “As a Child Friendly County, our goal is for every young person in Warwickshire to feel heard, happy, healthy, skilled, and safe. Thanks to the hard work of our youth workers, partners, and volunteers, we’ve created safe and welcoming spaces where young people can learn, grow, and feel truly supported. These achievements highlight the team’s incredible dedication and the life changing impact they have on young people.”
Councillor Finch became the UK’s youngest council leader when elected at 19th in July 2025. His administration, which governs a £2bn budget, prioritises early help for families and prevention of crisis. This approach is in line with the national Families First Partnership programme, which is backed by £500 million from Government.
As the Christmas season approaches, the council has acknowledged the contribution of youth workers, partner agencies and volunteers. Updates on the Youth Service can be found via Instagram. The council has described the programme as a model of supportive and inclusive growth at a time when youth safety and mental health remain national concerns.