Major youth organisations enter merger talks

Ambition, which was established as the National Association of Boys' Clubs in 1925, and the National Council of Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS), which launched nine years later in 1936, have been in talks about closer links within the youth sector since October.

Ambition represents around 3,000 youth clubs and community projects, serving some 500,000 young people, while NCVYS has around 260 members.

The proposed merger comes against the backdrop of continuing cuts to youth services. The two organisations said it is hoped the move will create a louder voice for the youth sector.

Helen Marshall, chief executive of Ambition, said: “We firmly believe closer working arrangements with NCVYS will strengthen the national profile and voice of the youth sector, whilst providing better value to our memberships and ultimately improving opportunities for young people.”

Susanne Rauprich, chief executive of NCVYS, stressed the importance of closer collaboration at a time where many youth organisations are struggling to secure a future.
 
“We are excited to be working with Ambition to ensure that young people continue to get the help they need despite reduced funding,” she said.

News of a potential merger comes less than 12 months since Ambition, which until July 2012 was known as Clubs for Young People, merged with the Confederation of Heads of Young People’s Services (Chyps), the organisation for leaders of local authority young people’s services.