Two brand-new, double-decker buses have been delivered to Sandwell Council and are about to undergo conversion (with input from young people) to become the borough’s youth buses.
Around £700,000 will be invested in the two new buses to serve as mobile youth provision for young people in Sandwell for many years to come.
In the coming weeks, the buses will be sent to be customised to be used as youth buses.
The new buses will be kitted out with the latest technology including a mini recording studio, a sensory area, a virtual reality offer, smart TVs and gaming consoles. Sandwell council has carried out extensive consultation with young people to ensure the youth buses have facilities and activities available that meet their needs.
Over the summer, young people in Sandwell will be given the chance to help decide the final designs of the buses.
Councillor Simon Hackett, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education went to see the new buses. He said: “It was fantastic to see our new youth buses here in Sandwell and to meet some of the young people who will be benefitting from this investment.
“The buses will allow us to get into the heart of the community and bring activities for young people who might not otherwise travel to a youth club.
“It allows our youth workers to provide targeted support to young people who need it. It’s a safe space where young people can get information and support and meet others."
The buses replace the current, ageing Youth Bus which is currently on its farewell tour.
Councillor Hackett added: “It’s a vital service for our young people and we know it’s very popular so it’s a real worthwhile investment with the two new buses expected to attract even more young people.”
The two youth buses are one part of Sandwell’s comprehensive youth service which helps young people gain skills and resilience to deal with issues such as the impact of the pandemic on education and physical and mental wellbeing; the rising cost of living; and increased youth violence and the risk of criminal exploitation.
Alongside the two new buses, there are seven town-based youth clubs; Coneygre and Malthouse which offer borough wide provision; two specialist youth clubs (one for young people with SEND and one for young women) as well as mobile teams who go to areas where they can have the most impact.
Sandwell Young Peoples Services are also delivering a wide range of activities during the Summer Holidays including an exciting open access activity programme around Sandwell Parks including skate park tuition, inflatable laserquest, multi-sports, gaming bus, mobile climbing wall, graffiti art, and, for the first time in Sandwell, the virtual reality sensation.
For young people / families that have access to the Sandwell HAF programme, we are also delivering SEND Family Days, Outdoor Activity Days, Residential Experiences, Young Women’s projects, and the fantastic School of Rock and School of Magic.
For more information on Young People’s Services and positive activities for young people across Sandwell including our holiday activity programmes please visit our website or telephone 0121 569 2899.