On 5th Tachwedd, the NYA hosted a Summit and Reception in the House of Commons to celebrate the life-changing and positive impact of youth work under the theme of ‘Building Brighter Futures: Safe places, trusted support, and opportunities to thrive’. As part of Youth Work Week 2025, the event brought together a range of youth sector leaders, young people, MPs, civil servants, corporate partners and funders.
The Summit and Reception was kindly sponsored by Natasha Irons MP, who opened the day’s speeches with insightful remarks on the importance of strengthening and championing youth work in her constituency of East Croydon and nationwide.
Natasha Irons MP opens the Summit
Leigh Middleton OBE, CEO of the NYA, gave an overview of the current landscape of the youth sector including key findings from the 2025 National Youth Sector Census. Leigh shared his hopes for what the much-anticipated National Youth Strategy might mean for unlocking further opportunities for the youth sector and the need for further local investment, cross-sector collaboration and deeper corporate partnerships, and empowering young voices.
The event featured a panel discussion, chaired by Josh Dean MP who shared his personal experience of attending a youth service and credited his youth worker, Russel, as the reason he found his current career as an MP. Other speakers on the panel included Steve Reddy, Director of Children’s Services for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Teän, NYA Youth Project Assessor, Margaret Jobling, Chief Marketing Officer at NatWest, and Phil Chamberlain, England Director at the National Lottery Community Fund. Each panellist shared their unique perspective on the positive impact youth work has had in their local area, role or personal experience and the need for strengthened statutory duties and funding for this essential service.
Josh Dean MP, Steve Reddy, Teän, Margaret Jobling and Phil Chamberlain on the ‘Building Brighter Futures’ panel
We also had keynote addresses from representatives of the three main parties in Parliament. Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, spoke about the importance of cross-departmental and cross-party collaboration to champion the importance of youth work.
Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth address the Summit
Nigel Huddleston MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, echoed the words of the Minister, advocating for a unified approach that prioritises youth issues and celebrates the value of youth work.
Joshua Reynolds MP, Liberal Democrat Party, talked about the recently announced Liberal Democrat policy commitment to building back the youth sector in recognition of the unique and invaluable support provided to young people by youth workers.
The final closing remarks were given by Evie, NYA Youth Project Assessor, who drew on her experience both as a recipient and provider of good quality youth work. Evie expressed pride that youth work has opened doors for her to advocate for her peers, particularly those from under-represented areas.
The NYA Youth Project Assessor team at the Summit
The event concluded with a networking reception, allowing delegates to share and express their views and hopes for the brighter futures of young people around the country.
A special thank you to Evie, Teän, Harrison, Lowenna, Kamran and Madani who supported the running of the event, interviewing and filming MPs and signing in delegates.
