Cabinet approves ambitious partnership strategy to support children and young people
Gateshead Council's Cabinet have approved a new Children and Young People's Partnership Strategy aimed at improving the lives of children and young people across the borough. Developed in collaboration with young residents, the strategy sets out a shared vision to ensure every child in Gateshead can thrive, feel safe, and reach their full potential.
The strategy outlines four key outcomes: being heard and having influence, being happy and healthy, feeling safe in their families and communities, and achieving their potential. These will be delivered through targeted actions across health, education, social care, and community services.
Consultation played a central role in shaping the strategy, with input from over 100 young people, schools, youth forums, and voluntary sector partners. The new strategy aims to address issues that were raised included mental health, safety, inclusive spaces, job opportunities, and digital access.
Helen Fergusson, Strategic Director for Children's Social Care and Lifelong Learning, said:
"This partnership strategy reflects Gateshead's commitment to putting children at the heart of local policy. It will align with national initiatives such as the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill and the North East Mayoral Combined Authority's priorities, aiming to tackle child poverty and improve access to education and employment."
Councillor Catherine Donovan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Gateshead Council, said:
"This strategy is about listening to our young people and acting on what matters most to them. By working together across health, education, and community services, we're making sure every child in Gateshead has the chance to feel safe, be heard, and achieve their full potential."
Gateshead Council's Cabinet have approved a new Children and Young People's Partnership Strategy aimed at improving the lives of children and young people across the borough. Developed in collaboration with young residents, the strategy sets out a shared vision to ensure every child in Gateshead can thrive, feel safe, and reach their full potential.
The strategy outlines four key outcomes: being heard and having influence, being happy and healthy, feeling safe in their families and communities, and achieving their potential. These will be delivered through targeted actions across health, education, social care, and community services.
Consultation played a central role in shaping the strategy, with input from over 100 young people, schools, youth forums, and voluntary sector partners. The new strategy aims to address issues that were raised included mental health, safety, inclusive spaces, job opportunities, and digital access.
Helen Fergusson, Strategic Director for Children's Social Care and Lifelong Learning, said:
"This partnership strategy reflects Gateshead's commitment to putting children at the heart of local policy. It will align with national initiatives such as the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill and the North East Mayoral Combined Authority's priorities, aiming to tackle child poverty and improve access to education and employment."
Councillor Catherine Donovan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Gateshead Council, said:
"This strategy is about listening to our young people and acting on what matters most to them. By working together across health, education, and community services, we're making sure every child in Gateshead has the chance to feel safe, be heard, and achieve their full potential."
