Big Society's Big Mouth Powered by v

I'm really sorry to hear about the issues you are having. It sounds as though you've been doing something really worthwhile and it's such a shame that your not getting enough support. It seems to be the story across the board when it comes to the voluntary sector, and some people have a strange perception that because people don't get paid for their time it doesn't cost anything to keep it going - what about rent for the premises, bills, computers and a phoneline? Even just providing some teas and coffees for the people that are giving up their time. Earlier last year I spent six months volunteering in an English class at the probation centre - which is a way in which young people can serve their probation and help themselves get a qualification - no longer running of course because the money was cut in July. Nice.  Read less

Well exactly.... If they are going to make cuts they need to look at maintaining financial support for the premises, bills etc. and then look at designating the HUB workers certain youth centres to overlook and act as a line manager or something so that it could encourage people to actually want to volunteer in our youth centres. Perhaps even look at providing training so that the volunteers can have the confidence to be an acting Youth Worker, provide better support for young people and even gain something out it themselves!

The current Youth workers do their jobs well because they have had experience to make it that way..... New volunteers cannot be expected to just pick up where the Youth workers left off surely?? Read less

There's a group of MPs doing an inquiry into youth services who want to hear what young people (aged 13-25) have to say about youth services outside of school in their area. The Education Select Committee has teamed up with The Student Room to ask about your experiences. Go to http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Parliament_wants_your_view to tell them what you think. Your comments will contribute to a Committee report that will go to Government Ministers in the next few months. Read less

I agree with both comments. Like Sonali said, EMA was pretty much a lifeline for both my sisters and myself and it paid for my food and travel costs to go to college (transports wasn't free back then!!) I'm seriously concerned that without it, my younger brother won't see the point in putting himself through a part time job just to then take a loan and spend even more money on unviersity fees (my parents definitely cannot afford to pay upfront). And the attraction of a personal and disposable income from a part time job would only add to that.

Like Grace said, the government should be more vocal about what it plans to replace EMA funding with, and ensure it's directly linked to ensuring the brightest and most willing are able to access higher education without an overwhelming burden and fear of debt. Scholarships and trust funds??? Read less

Hi Philip - The plan is to replace EMA with an enhanced discretionary learner support fund which will be managed by schools, colleges and training providers. The Department for Education is holding consultations with school, college and training organisation representatives to develop the arrangements but the funding is significantly less than it was for EMA. Look here for more info http://tinyurl.com/6f4de2z Read less