We must deliver effective youth work for all

Progress for young people is being made through the government’s Youth Investment Fund, and it's a timely moment to recognise the urgent need for sustained investment.  

With youth service funding in England reduced by £1.1bn between 2010/11 and 2020/21, and increasingly desperate concerns about opportunities for young people, as well as their safety and wellbeing, there remains a critical need for transformative action.

However, amidst the challenges, it's important to acknowledge that there are existing youth services across the UK that are making a positive impact on young lives. I have witnessed first-hand the incredible work being done by youth workers and volunteers across the sector. Over 8,500 youth organisations in England alone currently provide skills development and non-formal education to empower young people as active citizens. 

Unfortunately, these opportunities are not equally distributed, and many youth services are not connected or funded adequately. The lack of a coordinated approach has resulted in fragmented provision, gaps in quality service, and limited access for young people, especially those living in marginalized communities or remote areas. The absence of a comprehensive infrastructure to connect young people with opportunities means that, even when services exist, they may go unnoticed - and youth workers struggle to reach those who need them the most.

This disjointed approach not only deprives young people of the chance to develop their potential but also undermines the effectiveness and impact of youth services as a whole. It's time to acknowledge that the current system is not working and take decisive action to address this issue. 

The consequences of the uneven distribution and lack of coordination in youth services are far-reaching. Young people who do not have access to these services miss out on crucial opportunities for growth, learning, and civic engagement. Communities suffer as the potential of their young citizens remains untapped, and society as a whole loses out on the contributions and talents of its youth.

Moreover, the confidence and aspirations of young people are undermined when they are unable to access the opportunities available to their peers in different areas. This disparity is particularly evident in so-called ‘anti-social behaviour hotspots’, where young people may face additional challenges and barriers to success. We cannot afford to continue to let millions of young people down and deny them the chance to contribute to society and thrive.  

The solution to this pressing issue lies in putting young people at the heart of the solution and working towards a joined-up system that supports their individual paths, regardless of their location or circumstances. We need to invest in the infrastructure that can hold up the youth sector and connect young people to opportunities. This requires a cross-sector approach that brings together youth organisations, professionals, governments, and importantly, young people themselves. We must listen to young people, understand their needs, and involve them in shaping the policies and services that affect their lives. 

One example of youth-led initiatives driving positive change is the Civic Journey programme. Led by the Institute for Community Studies at The Young Foundation, this project leverages expertise from various sectors to empower young people to take charge of their futures. As we invest in the future of our young people, we must recognise that partnership sits at the heart of sustained change. We need collective action to create a nationwide network of youth services that are connected, empowered, and inclusive. Let's be the kind of society that provides all young people and those supporting them with the opportunities to shape their futures, plot their individual civic journeys, and thrive.  

We cannot continue to underestimate the power and potential of our youth. With true sustained investment, we can create a society that understands, champions, and delivers effective youth work for all. As individuals, we can do our part by supporting local youth organisations and volunteering to share our skills and expertise. As a society, we must commit to thoughtful, meaningful, youth-informed systems change and bring professionals, governments, and young people together to share, grow expertise, and solve key issues. Together, we can create a level playing field where all young people have access to the opportunities they need to become active, empowered citizens. 

Ndidi Okezie is chief executive of UK Youth