A Young Person’s Champion has been appointed to Worcester City Council, putting issues such as child poverty, youth employment and young people’s well-being at the heart of future decision-making.
The move ensures that future City Council policies and decisions will be assessed for their impact on children and young people.
Meet Worcester’s Young People’s Champion
Cllr Matthew Lamb is the city’s first Young People’s Champion. He is currently Principal of a sixth form college in West Bromwich and has worked in education for 25 years.
Cllr Lamb says: “It is an enormous honour to have been chosen to speak up for children and young people and I will be a tireless advocate for them in our local communities. I will be seeking to listen to young people and to hear what their concerns are, so we can better serve them in the Council and ensure that their voice is heard.”
You can contact the new Young Person’s champion by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Schools, education and learning
Worcestershire County Council has statutory responsibility for these areas. Find further information, including how to apply for a place at a Worcester school, go to Schools, Education and Learning.
Children’s social care
Worcestershire County Council has statutory responsibility for this area. To find out more, including fostering and adoption and what to do if you’re concerned about a child or an adult who works with children, go to Children, young people and families
Support for young people in Worcester
Worcester City Council’s Youth Intervention Team visits schools and youth centres and talks to young people in parks and open spaces. The team works to protect young people by raising their awareness of risks such as drugs, alcohol, sexual exploitation and abusive relationships.
You can contact the team by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Telephone: 01905 722065
Mobile: 07788 570288
In an emergency, always call 999.
A day in the life of...
Ann Nicholls is Worcester City Council’s Youth Intervention team manager. She explains what it’s like working in the frontline throughout the pandemic to engage with young people, so that they – and others – can keep safe.
“I’ve been quite impressed by young people’s behaviour during the lockdown. I know that not everyone will agree, and yes, there is a minority who have been out and about causing problems. However, the vast majority of young people in Worcester have been respecting the rules.
Local partners share information with me on reports of young people gathering in groups in parks and open spaces. As I’ve worked with young people in the city for several years, I’ve already built up a relationship with several of those we encounter.
In order to build up trust, you have to listen to what young people have to say too. We have the conversation and I say, OK, you may not get coronavirus yourself – but you could still pass it on to someone close to you. Many of them do have vulnerable relatives, and it makes them think. I also emphasise the importance of handwashing – it still is the number one thing that we all can do to prevent the spread of the virus.
We shouldn’t assume that all young people have a safe, loving home to go to. They may be out to escape what’s happening at home. Many are confused and depressed. Frustration is building, with schools closed and so many limits placed on what they can do and where they can go.
Parents need to talk to their children – and to listen. Keep them up to date with the situation and above all, be honest. Establishing a routine is really important – don’t let them stay in bed all day!
By keeping talking, by working together and by staying positive, we will come through this crisis. Young people are our future – so it is in everyone’s interests to support them as well as we can right now.”
If you’re concerned about a young person’s welfare, call the police now on 101.
Activities for young people
Want to find out about youth clubs, sports centres, dance, drama and more in Worcester? Check out what’s on offer at Find It Do It Worcester
Outdoor spaces in Worcester
Looking for a park, play area, nature reserve or football pitch? Information and maps are at Parks and Green Spaces
Free sport and play
Freedom Leisure, which runs the City Council’s leisure centres at Perdiswell, St. John’s and Nunnery Wood, offers free sports and play activities for children and young people in the school holidays.
To find out more, go to Active Communities Worcester
Worcestershire Apprenticeships
The team supports young people who want Traineeships or Apprenticeships and employers who may be considering an apprentice for their business.
You can search for live vacancies within Worcestershire