Youth Futures Foundation responds to the National Youth Strategy

“Following the recently announced reforms to apprenticeships and employment support, today’s launch of the National Youth Strategy continues a welcome drive towards systems change and creating better futures for young people. We welcome the strategy’s holistic approach, placing young people at the heart of policy thinking and ensuring their voices are heard and drive real change.

“It is encouraging to see ‘Good Work’ reflected as one of the key action areas in the strategy. Ensuring that every young person can access secure, stable, fairly rewarded and inclusive work is central to Youth Futures’ mission. The National Youth Strategy also highlights how deeply connected it is to wider issues facing young people, underscoring the need for integrated solutions across education, employment, skills, youth services and health.

“We’re pleased to see the long-term commitment to increasing young people’s access to trusted adults outside the home. Relational support can provide the golden thread for young people within the systems approach needed to address the UK’s long-standing youth unemployment and inactivity challenge. As we highlighted in our Missing Link report, young people often face significant fragmentation when trying to access and navigate support. Trusted adults can be the vital glue needed to help reduce disengagement and rising inactivity.”

Barry Fletcher, CEO at Youth Futures Foundation

“As a young person, I’m hopeful about what the National Youth Strategy could mean for people like me. Having a trusted adult is crucial for young people and can make all the difference. I’m glad to see that the National Youth Strategy will ensure the presence of more trusted adults in communities and also more support for families. I’m also very optimistic to see a focus on helping us move into good work, which is central to well-being and building confidence. Finding meaningful, stable jobs that we genuinely enjoy is one of the biggest concerns that many of us experience. With so many young people struggling with their mental health, a trusted adult, good work, and stronger support is essential. If these promises become reality, the National Youth Strategy could truly help young people thrive and live fulfilling lives.”

Ishrat, Youth Guarantee Youth Advisory Panel member and Future Voices Group Ambassador