Final Print Version v2

Whenever a development happens we will use our planning powers to guarantee
job opportunities and apprenticeships for local people. We will also develop with
local Universities and Colleges career pathways which allow our employees to
progress to more skilled better paid jobs.
Protecting our more Vulnerable Children and Young People
Labour will continue to deliver our commitment to keep all Sure Start centres open
at a time when government cuts are closing on average one centre every week
across the UK.
We will continue to reduce the high numbers of children in need through the
development of an Edge of Care service and reduce the numbers of Looked After
Children by ensuring more children are adopted and fostered. We will reduce the
numbers of Looked After Children in high-cost residential care and – as part of this –
we plan to restructure our ‘Short Breaks’ offer for children with disabilities in order to
increase the number of children able to access them.
Together with our NHS partners we will direct more resources to the neglected
Children’s Adolescent & Mental Health Services (CAMHS); we will radically upgrade
and enhance these vital services to make good the 20% cuts incurred since 2010 by
the Tory government.
We recognise the need for local action – together with schools and health services -
on reducing childhood obesity, poor dental health and avoidable admissions to
hospital caused by injuries in the home and on our roads.
Working with the police and others we will take a proactive approach to preventing
radicalisation of our young people targeted by extremist organisations. We will also
work closely with the Youth Offending Board and Hampshire Constabulary to
develop effective crime diversion programmes for young people as an effective
alternative to custody.
Priority Areas for Further Development
Labour will provide ten paid internships every summer to young people
who either live in Southampton or attend one of our universities
Labour will work with early years providers and others to promote
opportunities for greater links between the generations e.g. by locating
nurseries in new extra care housing schemes for older people
Labour will explore opportunities for introducing locally the tried and
tested ‘Pause Project’ supporting women who are at particular risk of
having their children taken into care
Labour will work with local schools and the wide range of criminal justice
agencies to promote restorative practice models throughout the city
thereby minimising avoidable exclusions and absences
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