Brighton and Hove Youth Collective

A study carried out by NEF Consulting into the value of youth work by Brighton and Hove Youth Collective (B&HYC) found every £1 invested in open access youth provision resulted in £5.56 of social value.  

The group, established in 2012, aims to help 13-to-19-years-olds through activities that help young people become more active citizens, improve their confidence, enjoy leisure time and shape services.

When looking into the outcomes created for young people, the research found more than £3.2m in social value was created for increased self worth along with more than £522,000 in social value for an increased sense of community belonging.

More than £775,000 in social value was also created for increased personal expectations, which includes educational and career prospects, along with £90,000 in social value for improved financial situations among young people.

Ben Glazebrook, B&HYC development co-ordinator said: “In a climate of youth services being decimated up and down the country and a national debate about Kids Company closing, Brighton and Hove City Council should be commended for their investment in youth services.”

A survey of 62 young people found 86 per cent reported an increase in self worth, with 69 per cent attributing the change to work done by B&HYC, while 85 per cent also reported an increase in a sense of community belonging, with 64 per cent attributing this to the work done by B&HYC.

Eighty-nine per cent of young people also reported an increase in their personal expectations, with 65 per cent attributing the change to the group, while nearly two in 10 (19 per cent) reported an improvement in finances by an average of £56.25 per week, with 28 per cent attributing this change to the work carried out by B&HYC.

B&HYC is funded by Brighton and Hove City Council and works alongside the council’s youth service.

Among the youth organisations that make up the group are Sussex Central YMCA, Brighton Youth Centre, Hangleton & Knoll Project, and The Deans Youth Project.

Mike Roe, chief executive of Brighton Youth Centre said: “This research confirms what fantastic value for money the City Council, communities and the tax payer are getting.”

Jo Martindale, chief executive of the Hangleton & Knoll Project, added: “With this work young people themselves were able to identify how community based, young people led youth provision impacted on their lives - not just for leisure but as informal education building their aspirations, resilience, future potential and supporting a cohesive and better integrated community.”

The calculated savings come just a week after the Prince’s Trust released research into its 12-week personal development programme known as the Team project, which created £2.99 in social value for every £1 spent.