More than half of youth workers identify low confidence as a key barrier facing young people they support, while nearly two-thirds say trusted relationships are youth work’s most valuable contribution.
A new report from the National Youth Agency (NYA) has revealed that 54% of youth workers identify low confidence and self-belief as a significant barrier facing young people, while 64% say long-term trusted relationships are youth work’s most distinctive contribution in helping young people build positive futures.
Published during Youth Work Week, Where Futures Begin: How Youth Work Supports Positive Life Outcomes draws on evidence from more than 200 youth work practitioners and organisations across England to explore how youth work supports young people develop confidence, resilience and connections needed to thrive.
The findings come as almost one million young people across the UK are not in education, employment or training (NEET). The report suggests that while policy debates often focus on qualifications and employment opportunities, many young people first need support to build confidence, improve wellbeing and develop trusted relationships before they can fully participate in education, training and work.
The report found that:
- 54% identified low confidence and self-belief as a significant barrier facing young people
- 50% highlighted mental health and wellbeing challenges facing young people.
- 37% cited poor experiences of education
- 64% of youth workers identified long-term trusted relationships as youth work’s most distinctive contribution
The findings highlight that while young people face a range of barriers, many are not solely educational or economic. Confidence, wellbeing, belonging and access to trusted support all play a significant role in shaping young people’s ability to progress into education, employment and training.
The report found that youth work helps young people build the personal and social foundations that underpin positive life outcomes. Through trusted relationships, safe spaces and opportunities for personal growth, youth work supports young people to develop confidence, resilience, communication skills and stronger sense of belonging.
”We know that young people have enormous potential, ambition and talent. But potential alone is not enough. Young people also need confidence, support and trusted relationships that can help them navigate challenges and opportunities.
At a time when almost one million young people are not in education, employment or training, we cannot afford to wait until young people reach crisis point before offering support. Youth work reaches young people earlier, builds the relationships that keep them connected and opens doors to opportunity. If we are serious about improving young people’s futures, youth work must be part of the solution.”
Abbee McLatchieInterim Chief Executive, NYA
With the Independent Review into Young People and Work, led by the Rt Hon Alan Milburn, expected to set out recommendations later this autumn, the report calls for a more preventative approach to supporting young people, with sustained investment in universal youth provision and youth work embedded more consistently across education, employment and other mainstream services. It argues that youth work should be recognised as essential preventative infrastructure, reaching young people earlier and connecting them with support and opportunity.
The report is also published as youth work receives new investment of £17.8 million towards the Youth Sector Development Partnership (YSDP), funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The YSDP will invest in training, leadership development, bursaries, apprenticeships and workforce support help building a stronger more diverse and sustainable youth work sector. Led by UK Youth and delivered in partnership with the National Youth Agency, YPF Trust, TRIUMPH and regional partners, the programme will strengthen youth work infrastructure across England and help ensure more young people can access trusted adults, opportunities and support in their communities.
The NYA’s Where Futures Begin report is published during Youth Work Week alongside a short feature film of the same name. The report and film support NYA’s campaign to shine a light on the transformative role youth work plays in helping young people overcome barriers, realise their potential and build positive futures.
