This Saturday was World Youth Day, an opportunity to celebrate the 1.2 billion young people globally who are emerging into adulthood and finding their voices in a fast-changing world.

We know that Covid-19 hit many young people hard, with severely disrupted education, lost opportunities for socialisation and enrichment, and increased isolation.

However, sadly many youth clubs and community organisations that had supported young people did not survive the pandemic. Youth services have been decimated after 13 years of Conservative government. The Government’s too little too late response was the Youth Investment Fund. This pot of money however has been beset by issues. Some areas have been told not to bother applying, while others have found the red tape prohibitive.

We’re halfway through the summer holidays as I write this, a time when antisocial behaviour can often increase partly because bored teenagers find themselves without structure and purpose for weeks on end. What has been the Government’s summer holiday plan to provide young people with engaging opportunities to make memories and rebuild resilience? Sadly, if such a plan existed, I must have missed it.

Youth Services play an important role in supporting young people, broadening their horizons and opening up opportunities for young people to socialise, receive support and guidance. Yet under the Conservatives they have been repeatedly de-prioritised.

Thankfully, in Tameside, a few brilliant are still bucking the trend and offering lifelines. Bennett Street youth club in Hyde have a range of activities, including a brilliant accessible bike club. The creative innovators at The Vale have run some great events at Mossley Youth Base. Tameside Outloud provides judgement-free connection and mental health support for local LGBT young people. A number of drama, music, sport, cadets, scouts and guides providers also play a vital role.

I was recently at a lovely wedding where the groom talked about having been given roots and wings by the stability and encouragement of his parents, and being driven to do the same for his own children. It reminded me how vital it is for communities to come together to do this for every single child. The volunteers who run these local clubs are worth their weight in gold- thank you all of you.

Thank you, too, to the incredible young people contributing to their communities, in all sorts of ways. Special mention to Isabella Collins, a constituent from Hattersley studying at Ashton Sixth Form College. Isabella helped me draft this week’s column on her recent work experience in my office- much appreciated!

And too every local young person nervously awaiting exam results- good luck from me!