A significant step forward was taken with the launch of the Children and Young People’s Partnership Plan for 2025 – 2030. The event, held on 7th May 2025 at the Bournemouth Highcliffe Marriott Hotel, buzzed with energy and a shared vision for a healthy, safe, supported, included, and fulfilled future for all young people in the BCP area.
Cathi Hadley, Corporate Director of Children Services for BCP Council, warmly welcomed a diverse audience, including the true stars of the day – the young people whose voices and experiences have been instrumental in shaping this ambitious five-year plan.
As the launch got underway, attendees enjoyed refreshments, with whispers of particularly excellent cookies adding to the already positive atmosphere. Cathi’s opening remarks set a tone of collaboration and hope. The core message resonated deeply: the CYP Partnership Plan is driven by a desire to ensure that BCP’s young people are not just surviving, but thriving in all aspects of their lives.
Cllr Richard Burton reinforced this sentiment, emphasising the clarity and accessibility of the plan. He proudly stated, “The plan is clear and understandable. It is written for and by young people,” highlighting the crucial role young voices played in its creation.
A truly moving moment came with a fantastic video presentation led by Jo Fry, BCP Council’s Children’s Rights and Engagement Manager. The video powerfully conveyed the council’s unwavering commitment to its young people, encapsulated in the poignant image of a “pinky-promise” – a symbol of trust and dedication that resonated deeply with everyone in the room.
The contributions of key partner agencies underscored the collaborative spirit of the plan. Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callahan spoke passionately on behalf of Dorset Police, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of young people in the region. CAN’s Digital Access Project Lead Chris Small highlighted the importance of evidence-based approaches in supporting the plan’s objectives. He said, “We were delighted to support the Partnership to engage with the groups and organisations working directly with local young people. We look forward to supporting the delivery of this Plan in the months and years ahead.”
Speeches were brought to a close by Mark Harris, NHS Dorset, who emphasised the crucial role of health and well-being in the holistic development of young people.
Following the inspiring presentations, the event opened up for networking, allowing attendees to connect, discuss the plan in more detail, and forge stronger partnerships to bring their vision to life.
The launch of the Children and Young People’s Partnership Plan marks an exciting new chapter. By placing young voices at the heart of the strategy and fostering strong collaborations across various agencies, the partnership is laying the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive, and fulfilling future for every child and young person in the region. It’s clear that this “pinky-promise” is going to be kept.
