Standing Together in Solidarity: Reflection & Collective Care sessions
3 July @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Recent demonstrations and rhetoric linked to far right groups, since 2024, have been deeply distressing for many in our communities. Across the country, we have heard from youth workers, volunteers, and organisations about the impact on young people, on those who support them, and on the spaces where young people gather and grow.
As national youth organisations, we stand together in visible solidarity against racism, Islamophobia, and all forms of divisive rhetoric. We know these issues cut deeply into questions of identity and belonging – for young people, for communities, and for everyone working in the youth sector.
We have listened and we have heard. In response, we are currently taking these actions:
- Creating spaces of solidarity and connection: NYA, UK Youth and network of RYWU will host the first convening sessions for the sector, offering a space to share, connect, and support one another.
- Making space for youth sector voices to be heard: ensuring the experiences of youth workers, volunteers and organisations are recognised by a wide range of audiences, helping shape the wider conversation.
- Supporting what already exists: this convening builds on the powerful local, regional, and national work already happening. We see this as a collective effort: these three organisations are stepping forward to coordinate the first session, but it belongs to the whole sector, and we warmly welcome all partners to shape and contribute to what comes next.
- Sharing and signposting resources to strengthen local responses, including practical tools for organisations, youth workers and volunteers.
- Amplifying anti-oppressive practice: calling people in, not shutting them out, and supporting the difficult but vital conversations that help communities grow stronger.
UK Youth, The National Youth Agency, the Network of Regional Youth Work Units and the Muslim Youth Alliance are planning further Standing Together in Solidarity: Reflection & Collective Care sessions.
The next session is at 10am on Friday 3rd July.