By Michael Mui, Vancouver 24 Hours |
Surrey youth would love to live, work and play in their city, but are finding the notion increasingly difficult due to the lack of supports to make it happen, according to the 2015 Vital Signs report.
The report was developed by the SurreyCares Community Foundation, which combined research with survey results from 400 youth ages 12 to 24.
By Michael Mui, Vancouver 24 Hours |
Surrey youth would love to live, work and play in their city, but are finding the notion increasingly difficult due to the lack of supports to make it happen, according to the 2015 Vital Signs report.
The report was developed by the SurreyCares Community Foundation, which combined research with survey results from 400 youth ages 12 to 24.
“They love the vibrant art scene. They feel the diversity of the cultures, it helps give them a great sense of belonging — but the community is now answering their expectations in helping them get jobs,” said John Kageorge, a Surrey Cares board member.
“They can’t get around. Safety is an issue. And education — they want to study here, they don’t have to have to travel.”
Issues like transportation were listed as a top priority. The report suggests those with disabilities can travel easier than able-bodied youth, whose responses suggested many spend nearly as much time commuting to part-time jobs as they do working.
There’s also not a lot of work available. The report suggests that only 14% of youth between 20-24 in Surrey have obtained employment.
Few services also appear available to vulnerable youth. Surrey Cares uses shelter beds as one example — only six of 185 beds are devoted to youth.
“Youth feel anxious and worried about what their future will be, they don’t feel well-prepared when they leave high school, there’s not enough seats for them in college and university and the jobs available for them are part time, small wages,” Kageorge said.
“This is their scene and they feel a sense of belonging, but it’s not providing them the tools they need for them to become adults.”
Kageorge said the work done would influence where funding goes in the future. The recommendations are also being directed at different levels of government to step up support for youths.