National Youth Strategy – Youth Matters

Today’s launch of the National Youth Strategy – Youth Matters is a hugely welcome moment for the youth sector. For the first time in more than two decades, we have a national framework that recognises the realities young people face and places their voices at the centre of Government policy. At Youth Fed, we see every day how vital it is for young people to have trusted adults, safe places to go, and meaningful opportunities to learn, grow and contribute. This strategy speaks directly to those needs.

But while we welcome this bold commitment, we also know this is only the beginning. Since 2010, the youth sector has lost over 1,000 youth centres, thousands of youth worker roles, and the stable investment needed to sustain local provision. Rebuilding that safety net will require time, long-term funding, and genuine collaboration between the Government, local authorities, charities, and communities.

Youth Fed stands ready to play our part. We are committed to working with partners in the North West to rebuild the capacity, skills and spaces that young people deserve. Today’s strategy is a positive step — now the real work of renewal begins.