Funding calls for vulnerable children ahead of general election

Ms Roy said she would want any government to understand how much support children need.

According to the Local Government Association, funding for youth services from local authorities in England and Wales saw a decline of 70% between 2011 and 2019.

Since 2011, youth services – including clubs and workers – have been cut by 69%.

More than 4,500 youth work jobs have been cut and 750 youth centres have closed.

“They do need alternative provision, they need stuff in the community, where they feel safe and where they can build long term relationships,” she said.

She added they would ask for more funding to know if they can expand to help more children.

She said: “We would ask for funding to continue, for it to be more consistent.

“North Somerset Council have funded us for the last two years and given us £10,000 this year and last year but every year we are wondering are we going to find the money to carry on.”

She added that more thought needed to go into education and called for a “different approach” to children’s services that was not focused on exam results.

“In an ideal world it would be wonderful to have more resources so we can open for longer and for more days.

“We’ve had to reduce the amount of days we’re open due to lack of funding.

“The children run from school to get one of the 12 spaces.”