A Blackburn with Darwen project aimed at providing young people with a voice and opportunity has awarded a children's centre a gold certification.

The Young Inspectors scheme gives those using children’s services the chance to provide critical and constructive feedback on youth projects, with the Earcroft Centre being hailed. 

Made up of a team of trained local young people the aim is to ensure that youth-based organisations and services are being driven by those who use them, as well as enabling them to help influence the development and improvement of numerous organisations.

Councillor Julie Gunn, deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and executive member for children, young people and education, said: “At Blackburn with Darwen, we are very lucky to have such committed young people who share our view that the voice of children and young people is at the heart of everything that we do.”

Three young inspectors visited the Earcroft Centre in Darwen and were supported by young person services staff.

Their inspection focussed on accessibility and environment, publicity, quality of provision, staff, training, skills, attitudes and values, monitoring and evaluation and the involvement of young people and users.

They concluded that the quality of provision at Earcroft was exceptional, with the centre catering to the diverse needs of children and adolescents from all ages.

Through providing a variety of facilities it ensures that young people have access to engaging activities and tailored support.

Blackburn with Darwen Youth MP 2024, Zainab Shah said: “The Young Inspectors is a project that equips young people with the skills and knowledge to be able to inspect services that they and their peer’s access.

“It empowers them with the ability to inspect and provide feedback on where they think a service can be improved or where they have been doing well.

“It ensures other young people can feel confident in a service they access having the stamp of approval from their peers.”

And the involvement of young people is central to the centre’s operations, with the project offering several opportunities for them to voice their opinions and influence the decision-making process.

Strategic director of children’s services and education, Jo Siddle said: “Young people are at the centre of our decision making and it is important that we listen to them and adapt our services to meet their needs.

“I am exceptionally grateful to all our young inspectors who give their time and commitment to ensure BwD deliver the best services possible. Well done to Earcroft Centre!”

Earcroft Centre is the base for some of the Early Help team and works hand in hand with the Blackburn with Darwen Family Hub to provide a seamless, non-intrusive service to families.