More than 2000 young people a year are set to benefit from clubs, activities and other support.

South Gloucestershire Council has awarded contracts to four charities: Creative Youth Network, Southern Brooks, Learning Partnership West and Diversity Trust, to try and support the region's most disadvantaged young people.

Youth clubs, sports, arts, mental health support and help with education, employment or training will be available every night of the week.

There will also be targeted support for young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities as well as specialist spaces for those, such as LGBTQ+ young people, who may feel more marginalised.

Sandy Hore-Ruthven, CEO of Creative Youth Network said: “We know that building relationships with young people is key to supporting them through difficult periods of their lives, giving them opportunities they might not otherwise have. South Gloucestershire Council are investing in their young people and we’re excited to bring our expertise even further into the area”.

Julie Close, CEO of Southern Brooks Community Partnerships, said: “We are pleased that the youth partnership has been successful in securing this funding for work with young people. Partners have been working together for several years to make sure that services for young people continue.

Rachel Robinson, CEO of Learning Partnership West, said: “We’re delighted to be joining the youth partnership work in South Gloucestershire. We look forward to hearing from young people and delivering great work with our partners”.

Berkeley Wilde, Director of Diversity Trust said, “We are really pleased that South Gloucestershire Council has recognised the specific needs of LGBTQ young people, and to be working with our partners to bring an increased specialist service to the South Gloucestershire area."

South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Jon Hunt, said: “It is positive that in challenging times that we are all able to work together for the benefit of young people and we look forward to developing these partnerships so that young people can continue to have the opportunities and benefits of access to trusted adults which youth work provides”