Welcome to Youth Work Week 2026, the National Youth Agency’s annual celebration of the life-changing impact of youth work across the UK.
This year’s theme, Where Futures Begin, celebrates the people and places where young people grow, belong and thrive.
We’re excited to announce the theme for Youth Work Week 2026, which will be celebrated from 2 to 8 Tachwedd 2026:
Where futures begin: Celebrating the people and places where young people grow, belong and thrive
This year, we’re celebrating the people, places and experiences that help young people grow, belong and thrive. From the youth worker who takes the time to listen, to the safe spaces where young people can be themselves, youth work plays a vital role in shaping futures.
About the theme
“Where futures begin” highlights how every young person’s journey is influenced by the relationships they build, the environments they feel part of and the opportunities they’re given.
Youth work creates space for young people to:
- Build confidence and discover their strengths
- Develop meaningful relationships and connections
- Explore their identity, values and ambitions
- Take part in their communities and shape the world around them
This theme recognises that futures don’t develop in isolation – they are nurtured through support, belonging and opportunity.
Looking ahead to Tachwedd
From 2-8 Tachwedd 2026, organisations, practitioners and young people across the country will come together to celebrate the impact of youth work.
Youth Work Week will be a chance to:
- Share stories of the people and places that shape young lives
- Highlight the incredible work happening in communities
- Champion the role of youth workers and trusted adults
- Showcase how youth work helps young people build positive futures
Help us tell the story
Sharing your stories is a key part of Youth Work Week. By posting on social media, you can help raise awareness of the impact of youth work and ensure young people’s experiences are seen and understood.
Whether it’s a story about a trusted youth worker or a snapshot of the spaces where young people belong, every post helps build a national picture of where futures begin.
We’ll be encouraging everyone to share content during the week using #YouthWorkWeek2026, helping to amplify the sector’s voice and increase recognition of the life-changing youth work happening every day.
Join us
Youth Work Week 2026 is an opportunity to come together as a sector to celebrate, amplify and advocate for youth work.
Because every future starts somewhere.
And for so many young people, that future begins with youth work.
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