Youth organisations are playing an increasingly important role in supporting young people before challenges reach crisis point, with growing demand for mental health support, trusted adult relationships and employment advice, according to new findings from the National Youth Agency’s Youth Sector Census ‘Snapshot’ report.
The data highlights the contribution youth work makes to prevention and early intervention as part of a joined-up, place-based approach, helping communities support young people before challenges escalate and alleviating pressure on education, health and other public services, while youth organisations themselves face rising costs and ongoing uncertainty over future funding.
- Targeted or referred provision is now the most common type of youth provision, delivered by 65% of organisations, compared with 58% providing open-access youth work.
- Mental health and wellbeing is the leading focus of targeted support, offered by 86% of organisations, while 79% report increased demand.
- Demand for employment, training and skills support remains high, with 56% reporting an increase and 59% offering targeted support.
- Nearly three-quarters of organisations report rising operating costs, while long-term funding stability is the sector’s leading priority.
The findings are based on responses from almost 800 organisations delivering youth provision across England, providing one of the most comprehensive pictures of youth work services currently available. Three-quarters of respondents represent the voluntary, community and social sector, while 14% represent local authority youth services. More than half are based in some of England’s most deprived communities.
Targeted or referred provision is now the most common type of youth provision, delivered by 65% of organisations, compared with 58% providing open-access youth work. Mental health and wellbeing remain the principal focus of targeted support. Some 86% of organisations target support towards young people’s mental health and wellbeing, and 79% report an increase in demand for this support. Alongside mental health support, 64% of organisations provide information, advice and guidance, highlighting the continued importance of trusted adults in helping young people navigate challenges and opportunities.
Amble Youth Project has supported young people in Northumberland for more than 30 years. Through open-access youth work, targeted support and early intervention, the charity provides safe spaces and trusted relationships for young people, working closely with schools, families and local services to help address emerging issues before they escalate.
”Youth workers are often the first trusted adults young people turn to, and this census shows how much support vital mental health support they’re already providing. Additionally, the Fonagy review has underscored the importance of investing far more in prevention, particularly in the places young people already spend their lives. But too often, the evidence on what works isn’t easy for professionals to find or use. Prevention First, a new programme from Anna Freud launching 2027, will equip the professionals young people meet every day - like youth workers and coaches - with practical, evidence-based tools and skills to help them build young people’s wellbeing.”
Lara PatriciaCEO, Amble Youth Project
The need for youth worker skills is especially pertinent in light of Professor Peter Fonagy’s Government-commissioned review, which underlines the real and rising mental health needs of young people. As policymakers look at how support can be provided earlier and more effectively, youth work offers a preventative, community-based approach that complements clinical and educational services.
Anna Freud is a mental health charity for children and young people. Through science, collaboration and clinical innovation, it works to improve mental health support and design new approaches to prevention and early intervention.
”Youth workers are often the first trusted adults young people turn to, and this census shows how much support vital mental health support they’re already providing. Additionally, the Fonagy review has underscored the importance of investing far more in prevention, particularly in the places young people already spend their lives. But too often, the evidence on what works isn’t easy for professionals to find or use. Prevention First, a new programme from Anna Freud launching 2027, will equip the professionals young people meet every day - like youth workers and coaches - with practical, evidence-based tools and skills to help them build young people’s wellbeing.”
Alex CunninghamHead of Prevention First, Anna Freud
Demand for employment, training and skills support also remains high: 56% report an increase, while 59% offer targeted support in this area. The findings highlight the important role youth organisations play in supporting positive transitions into education, training and employment, helping young people overcome wider barriers to participation through trusted relationships and personalised support.
The report also highlights that youth clubs are facing mounting financial fragility as rising demand collides with escalating costs. Nearly three-quarters report higher operating costs, yet only 24% have secured most of next year’s income and just 24% could operate beyond 12 months on current reserves.
Workforce pressures remain a concern for many organisations, with staff and volunteer recruitment identified as significant challenges by 37% of organisations. The NYA’s newly launched Standard Qualification Framework for youth work aims to provide a more flexible and accessible route into gaining recognised qualifications which will help build a stronger and better-skilled workforce in order to meet growing demand.
The findings come at a time of renewed investment in youth work, including Government commitments to expand the workforce and improve access to training. However, the Census findings suggest that alongside workforce development, organisations require greater long-term sustainability and certainty if they are to meet rising demand.
”Youth organisations are responding every day to growing demand from young people, particularly around mental health, wellbeing, education and employment. Youth workers see the whole young person, understand their communities and provide trusted support that enables young people to build confidence, navigate challenges and access opportunities.
We welcome recent government commitments to strengthen the youth workforce, including investment in training and expanding the number of youth workers. But these findings show that workforce development alone will not be enough. As demand continues to grow, youth organisations need long-term investment, stronger place-based partnerships and greater certainty through a stronger statutory duty for youth services, enabling them to continue providing the early support young people need and reducing pressure on other public services."
Abbee McLatchieInterim Chief Executive, NYA
The Census report is accompanied by an interactive dashboard, allowing users to explore the data in more detail through interactive filters including region, organisation type, local authority and Index of Multiple Deprivation decile. Users can also view a map of responses and explore findings from individual Census questions. The dashboard is designed to support policymakers, commissioners, funders, local authorities and youth organisations to better understand where youth work is taking place, the services being delivered, and emerging trends across the sector.
