The Government has today launched its first National Youth Strategy in 20 years, pledging over £500 million investment to rebuild youth services over the next decade.
‘Youth Matters’ has been co-produced with more than 14,000 young people across England, where they raised concerns about a lack of mental health support, unprecedented levels of social isolation, and an absence of youth services in their communities. They also called for more safe spaces to connect in person, guidance for their education and careers, greater access to enriching activities and opportunities, and tools to engage positively online and offline.
The Strategy heavily emphasises the significance of youth work, in turning these commitments into a reality, as well as being essential to the wider societal eco-system: spreading opportunities, making streets safer and taking pressure off the NHS.
Its long-awaited arrival comes after a significant drop in spending on youth services. Between 2010/11 and 2022/23, Local Government spending on youth services fell by 73% (a £1.2 billion real-terms cut) with more than 1,000 youth centres closing and over 4,500 youth worker roles being lost.
”“We welcome the Government's announcement and value how wholeheartedly they have listened to and put young people at the centre of change. This plan reflects what young people have told us they need: safe spaces, trusted adults, and real opportunities to thrive.
“The NYA has worked extensively with Government to reach this point, and we are glad that the youth work sector has had a voice in shaping these plans. As champions of high-quality youth work, we are encouraged by the focus on strengthening the youth workforce, creating Young Futures Hubs, and some investment in local services designed with young people, as well as investment in the work of NYA itself. In particular we welcome the revenue funding that the Government have committed, alongside the larger capital funding, as the ambitions set out can only be achieved with skilled people driving them forward. These steps clearly show the vital role youth workers will continue to play in supporting wellbeing, building skills, and fostering belonging.
“Ambition must now be matched with delivery. We will continue to work closely with Government to ensure these promises translate into tangible improvements, especially for those facing the greatest challenges. Refining the Statutory Duty to set clear sufficiency benchmarks for the provision of youth work and allocating sustainable funding for Local Authorities will be essential to make this vision a reality. The Government has recognised this is an area that needs to be strengthened, and we stand ready to support this work.
“The National Lottery Community Fund’s Every Child Can Fund also presents huge opportunity if directed to those who need it most. Providing access to innovative funding streams to support grassroots youth work, this programme will distribute £132.5 million of Dormant Asset Funds to increase young people’s access to youth work and enrichment. We will collaborate across the sector, and via the National Youth Sector Advisory Board, to help shape the fund and ensure it reaches grassroots youth work organisations who need it most.
“This strategy is a positive step towards equity for young people across England, and we look forward to turning these commitments into lasting change.”
Leigh Middleton, OBE,CEO, National Youth Agency
”“The publication of the National Youth Strategy marks a pivotal moment for young people across the country.
“I’m proud of the role the National Youth Sector Advisory Board (NYSAB) has played in shaping this strategy, building on the foundations we set out in our 2023 ‘Roadmap to a National Youth Strategy’. It’s a clear recognition of the vital role youth work plays in supporting young people’s development and wellbeing, and of the need for a co-ordinated, long-term approach to ensure every young person has access to trusted adults, safe spaces, and meaningful opportunities - wherever they live.
“This strategy is a springboard for action. By acting on young people’s voices and backing the workforce that supports them, the government has taken an important step forward. Now the real work begins – the NYSAB will work tirelessly with partners to ensure its ambitions are realised, and to hold government to account on its promises to young people.”
Tony Gallagher OBE,Chair of the National Youth Sector Advisory Board
