Youth charities make case for £300m mental health fund

The Back Youth Alliance wants to see the government create a Youth Potential Fund backed with investment through the Dormant Assets Scheme, which is set to be doubled.

The proposed youth fund would focus on improving access to clubs and activities that build confidence, self-esteem, and skills.

This is especially important as mental health challenges mount for young people post pandemic, said the Alliance.

• Related news: UK Youth launches £10m mental health fund

• Related news: Seven areas with high youth unemployment to benefit from £16m fund

Boosting access to outdoor learning and “spaces that take young people out of their comfort zone” are also a priority for the fund.

It should also be used to train 10,000 more qualified youth workers and 30,000 more volunteers, as well as develop local partnerships of professionals that work with children.

“This will ensure young people, particularly those most in need, are aware of and able to access the services and opportunities needed through better joining up of provision and investment,” said the Back Youth Alliance.

It wants to see the fund delivered by a coalition of youth organisations with UK wide reach to ensure finding can “begin flowing quickly” to local youth groups to deliver “life changing impact and change where it’s needed most”.

“Upfront investment” from the Dormant Assets scheme is central to the fund’s success, added the Alliance, whose members include YMCA, UK Youth, British Youth Council, OnSide and the National Youth Agency.

Young people face unprecedented challenges. Investing in them is never more needed than now. We’re calling for Dormant Assets to be invested in a #YouthPotentialFund to transform young people’s #mentalhealth and #wellbeing. Read more 🔽https://t.co/Ejm2FnPl8y pic.twitter.com/LZVqlyTmib

— UK Youth (@UKYouth) August 22, 2022

To date the Dormant Assets scheme has released £892m of money in unclaimed bank and building society accounts to support good causes, including youth issues, financial inclusion and social investment.

But under the Dormant Assets Act 2022 it is to be overhauled to include a further £880m to include assets from insurance, pensions and investment sectors.

Ministers are also consulting on whether changing the focus of the fund in England, with its consultation documents highlighting government commitments around levelling up and climate change.

The Alliance’s mental health fund proposal is part of its response to this consultation. The deadline for responses is October 9.

Latest figures show that one in six children aged six to 16 have a probable mental health problem. In 2017, the proportion was one in nine.

According to the Alliance more than two thirds of girls and young women feel more sad, anxious, and worried due to the pandemic.

• See the September edition of CYP Now for more information about the Dormant Assets Scheme consultation