10 December
Young people across England are set to benefit from more than £500 million in new funding as the government unveils its long-awaited national youth strategy, the first major plan for youth services in 15 years.
Ministers say the 10-year programme will start to undo years of reductions that saw youth service budgets drop by 73%, over 1,000 youth centres shut their doors, and around 4,500 youth worker posts cut. Shaped with contributions from more than 14,000 young people, the strategy pledges to ensure that every young person has “a place to go, meaningful activities to take part in, and supportive adults around them.”
Published today (10 December), the full strategy sets out a broad package aimed at addressing growing youth loneliness, boosting access to early mental health help, and increasing the number of trusted adults in local communities. It also marks a change in the government’s approach to youth policy, with promises of stronger cross-department collaboration and a refreshed commitment to listening to what young people say they need.
The strategy comes after years in which youth services in many areas have been stripped back, leaving young people without reliable places to spend time or consistent support from trained youth workers. Ministers say the plan released today marks the beginning of a long-term overhaul, with new services due to begin opening from 2026.
Marcus Davey CBE, CEO and Artistic Director of the Roundhouse, commented:
“The national youth strategy, Youth Matters, is a powerful affirmation of belief in our young people. It sets out real choices and meaningful opportunities for every young person to thrive, and it sends a clear message: you matter. Created with young people through extensive consultation, the strategy recognises their call for creativity to support mental health and wellbeing, and to open pathways into futures they can imagine for themselves. The government has long expressed its intention to widen access to arts education and creative experiences. Now, with renewed investment in out-of-school activities and cultural opportunities across the country, creativity stands alongside sport as a vital way to engage young people and unlock their potential. As the Secretary of State, Lisa Nandy MP, so aptly put it, “a creative life is a life worth living.”
“At its core, this 10-year strategy lays out clear commitments both for young people and shaped directly by them. It highlights the essential work of youth practitioners and trusted adults in helping young people take part in their communities and explore new interests. At the Roundhouse, where we support more than 10,000 young people each year, we see every day how creative spaces, combined with exceptional youth work, spark personal growth, build confidence and nurture remarkable talent.
Youth Matters marks the beginning of a decade of renewal. It outlines the experiences, skills and opportunities we want every young person aged 10 to 21 to have. The Roundhouse, together with partners across the creative industries, is ready to play its part. We know the arts offer something unique: they encourage young people to experiment, to collaborate, to discover their voice and to have fun with their friends. Along the way, they gain both technical and transferable skills that open doors to choices, chances and meaningful careers.
We will work closely with government, the youth sector and the creative industries to help fulfil the promise of Youth Matters. With strong youth work at its foundation, and with more spaces, better facilities and vibrant creative opportunities in the places young people call home, arts and culture can help shape stronger, safer and more connected communities for all.”
Antonia Kazmeier, a Young Trustee at the Roundhouse said: “Hearing the Secretary of State, Lisa Nandy speak today, it feels like a very hopeful initiative and it’s incredible to see politicians really listening to youth and coming from a place of care and interest in what young people really need right now.”