Cheshire West and Chester Council launches bold new Youth Strategy

Cheshire West and Chester Council has unveiled its new Youth Strategy 2026–2030, setting out a bold and inclusive vision to improve the lives of young people across the borough.

Following engagement with over 500 young people, parents, carers and youth organisations, the strategy presents a clear commitment to ensuring every young person can thrive, regardless of background, postcode or circumstance.

The strategy responds to some of the most significant challenges facing young people today, including the long‑term impacts of the COVID‑19 pandemic, a rising cost of living, mental health pressures, digital exclusion and widening inequalities. It aligns with the emerging National Youth Strategy, ‘Youth Matters’ and reflects the findings of the National Youth Agency Census, which highlights rising demand for trusted adult support and increasing pressure on youth organisations nationwide.

At the heart of the strategy is the vision that 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.

Young people played a central role in shaping the priorities, sharing their experiences and ambitions through surveys and focus groups.

They called for:

• Better mental health support
• Inclusive, welcoming spaces
• Stronger youth voice in decision‑making
• Clearer information about opportunities
• Improved transport and accessibility
• More life skills, careers support and creative activities

The Strategy outlines three major areas for action:

Wellbeing, Inclusion and Safe Spaces

Mental health emerged as the top priority, with 35% of young people reporting anxiety, depression or wellbeing concerns, and a strong desire for safe, inclusive spaces, particularly for SEND and LGBTQ+ young people. Actions include:

• Mapping and improving access to wellbeing services
• Refurbishing youth centres and co‑designing inclusive activities
• Launching a Youth Inspectors programme
• Strengthening digital and physical safety

Youth VoiceEmpowerment and Opportunity

Young people want greater influence over services, including involvement in recruitment and decision‑making. Only 13% currently volunteer weekly, highlighting significant opportunity for civic participation. Actions include:

• Establishing a boroughwide CWAC Youth Forum
• Enhancing leadership and life skills programmes
• Expanding volunteering, work experience and career pathways
• Promoting youth work as a valued profession

Access, Awareness and Collaboration

Transport barriers and poor promotion prevent many young people from participating in sessions. Only 6.4 per cent find information via council websites, with many reporting difficulties navigating what is available. Actions include:

• Piloting mobile youth services
• Improving youth‑led social media and information hubs
• Strengthening multi‑agency partnerships
• Reducing duplication and improving communication across services

The strategy will be delivered by the Cheshire West Youth Partnership Board, bringing together statutory services, schools, the voluntary sector and young people themselves to create a joined‑up, boroughwide youth network.

Cllr Adam Langan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

“This strategy is more than a document - it is a call to action. I am so proud that we engaged with 500 young people, families and professionals in shaping it. It was essential that the strategy was co‑produced with young people, because it truly belongs to them. I aspire for the very best for our young people - we need to dream big and make it happen.”

The launch marks the beginning of a four‑year programme of delivery, with annual youth‑led summits and continuous feedback to ensure young people influence ongoing improvements across the borough.

More details here:

Youth Strategy Vision and Governance | Cheshire West and Chester Council