Birmingham's bishop has backed calls to give all children in Birmingham free access to the sporting and cultural facilities the city has to offer as well as open up new opportunities.
The Reverend David Urquhart was commenting on the Children’s Society report – It Takes A City to Raise A Child – which aims to reduce inequality and guarantee valuable social and working experiences for all youngsters.
The report, commissioned by Birmingham City Council, found that too many were unable to experience the world-class theatre, concerts and sporting events, while others felt unsafe using local parks and their neighbourhoods. The cost of travel was also prohibitive.
Mr Urqhuart said: “It is now clear that a more equal society benefits both rich and poor people and these initiatives will help reduce inequality and narrow the divide between children growing up in our city.
“These proposals could help bring people together and encourage children of all backgrounds to flourish emotionally, physically and spiritually.”
Hodge Hill MP Liam Byrne was also enthusiastic about the report. “Our goal is clear. Let’s make Birmingham the best place in Britain to be young,” he said.
The Birmingham Commission for Children report says that the city has become a ‘no-go’ area, where hard-up youngsters are denied the experiences they need to better their chances in life.
And even the free facilities offered by Birmingham’s 600 parks are out of bounds – because many children are too scared to use them, and feel unsafe when crossing the city to get there.
The city council asked the Children’s Society to investigate the plight of the city’s youngsters after a series of statistics revealed that many seem to be having a miserable time.
Alarmingly, Birmingham youngsters have higher than the national average levels of obesity, anxiety, depression, poverty, self-harm and bad behaviour, while many also struggle at school.
City and business leaders were called on to draw up an offer to young people, with free access to facilities, valuable work experience and paid part-time work included.
It also called for youngsters to be involved in decisions which shape their neighbourhoods and an annual “Children’s Day” with public spaces given over to children’s activities, with youngsters made “most welcome” in shops, parks and venues.
Commission chairwoman Janet Grauberg said: “We have set out a vision for children and young people in Birmingham that we hope will be a reality for those growing up in this city in ten years’ time – a city that is proud of its children, where they feel their voices are listened to, and which is safe. We heard real optimism about the city’s future and a desire for every Birmingham child to be given the opportunity to flourish.”
The city council has said it will consider the findings carefully.
