Young people need more than a route into employment, they need confidence, belonging, wellbeing, trusted relationships and access to opportunities that help them thrive. There is growing recognition that improving young people’s outcomes requires an earlier, more preventative approach that supports them before they become disconnected from education, training, work or their communities.
This report brings together findings from a National Youth Agency (NYA) survey of 221 youth work practitioners and organisations, conducted in Awst and Medi 2026, with desk research on the existing evidence and policy landscape surrounding the high number of young people who are NEET. By combining fresh insights from the youth work sector with wider research, the report sets out the pivotal role youth work can play in preventing disengagement and supporting young people towards positive life outcomes.
