The National Youth Strategy, ‘Youth Matters’, sets out a ten-year vision for young people with three bold shifts: from national to local, from fragmented to collaborative, and from excluded to empowered.
Now it is time to turn that strategy into action.
Between Mawrth and Ebrill 2026, the National Youth Agency in partnership with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), UK Youth and the Regional Youth Work Units delivered a series of regional roadshow events to support delivery of Youth Matters (the National Youth Strategy) in communities across England.
Professionals from across the youth sector came together to explore what the strategy means in practice, share regional insight and agree what needs to happen next.
What the roadshow delivered
The roadshow events provided delegates with the opportunity to hear directly from DCMS spokespeople about the ambitions of the Strategy and get clarity on timescales and plans for the roll-out of funded programmes.
Through the Q & A and breakout sessions attendees were able to share their views on what delivery will look like in different local contexts; the key challenges and opportunities across each region and challenges around place-based delivery, including the needed for support to maintain effective partnerships and share data effectively.
What you told us
Across all events, there was strong support for the National Youth Strategy’s goals and principles, alongside an urgent call for clear action and follow‑through.
In particular, delegates asked for:
- Long-term funding and sustainable systems to match national ambition
- Recognition of high-quality, professional youth work practice
- More meaningful power-sharing with young people and local communities
- A stronger Statutory Duty to help local authorities build a sufficient youth offer
- Fairer funding models that do not overlook rural and coastal areas
- A move away from short-term project funding
- More meaningful youth voice, with broader representation and access to national policy spaces
Roadshow participants were asked what support they need, nationally and locally, to overcome barriers to achieving the National Youth Strategy.
Across the country clear themes emerged, showing where government and sector bodies can drive system change:
From insights to action
The roadshow has created a strong foundation for delivery. The next phase focuses on translating insight into tangible change.
The NYA, UK Youth and the Network of Regional Youth Work Units will use the insights gathered to guide their work with government, local authorities and partners. This includes building the learning into national and regional support, shaping policy and funding discussions, and helping local areas develop approaches that fit the Strategy. Further opportunities to shape how the Strategy is delivered and to share what is working will be provided.
Hear from roadshow attendees in your region
Click your region below to watch a playlist of clips and views from attendees at your regional roadshow. Please feel free to share these clips on your social media.
Unfortunately we did not have a videographer at the London event so were unable to capture footage.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, hosted, facilitated and supported our Regional Roadshow. Your expertise, honesty and commitment are vital to ensuring the National Youth Strategy delivers real change for young people over the next decade.
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