PLANS to improve the lives of young people in the Cotswolds will once again be scrutinised at a community meeting.

A report in November highlighted that the Cotswolds is one of the worst places to grow up poor.

A government report said that when looking at the opportunities for young people born into disadvantaged backgrounds, the Cotswolds was the second worst area in the country.

Cotswold District Council are trying to reverse this trend, with a meeting planned for Monday January 22 from 4.30pm until 6.30pm at the George Moore Community Centre in Bourton-on-the-Water.

The event follows a successful meeting in October 2017, where over 30 individuals and organisations met to discuss how to improve the lives of young people.

The gathering, which is organised by Youth and Community organisation World Jungle and supported by Cotswold District Council, will involve speakers from a range of organisations including Young Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire Mentoring and Support Service, Prospects Services, Cotswold District Council and others.

They will be talking about how they help young people and what support they can provide, and issues will include funding, how to engage young people in decision making and also good tips on how to design youth and play spaces.

Organiser Jane Manning from World Jungle said: “It is a great opportunity to get people and organisations who are committed to improving the lives of young people in the same room, talking together and sharing best practice.

"It is open to anyone and we would really welcome people who are just thinking about setting up a project for young people. Last time we had a great turnout and really positive feedback and we are hoping for the same at this event.”

Cllr Stephen Hirst, cabinet member for housing, health and leisure at Cotswold District Council added: “It is really important we make the Cotswolds a great place for children and young people to grow up in.

"There are lots of challenges facing young people today and events like this provide a great opportunity to talk about these issues and support the organisations on the ground doing fantastic work.

"We also hope to encourage new people or organisations to start doing more for young people”

Anyone interested in attending the event or have considered setting up a project for young people in the area, or would like more information, email jane@worldjungle.org.uk phone 07889512644 or visit www.worldjungle.org.uk