Six key actions to boost participation in youth work

As Head of Research and Knowledge Management at UK Youth, I’m proud to share the findings from our recent research exploring the barriers and solutions to improving access and inclusion for young people.

Commissioned by DCMS and delivered by UK Youth in partnership with independent researchers SQW, our findings show that too many young people are missing out on the benefits of youth work – and sets out six clear actions to increase participation and satisfaction.

The full report, executive summary and young person’s summary are available on the DCMS website. We’re also running a free, interactive webinar on 7 November, providing an opportunity to engage directly with our research team, ask questions and share experiences.

Why this research matters

Young people are facing complex challenges – including severe pressures on their mental health, employment, and even physical safety.

Youth work is proven to be life changing – and even life saving. It builds confidence, improves wellbeing, and develops essential life skills. 

Despite these proven benefits, millions of young people are missing out on youth work support and having to find their way alone.

Youth services have experienced sustained funding cuts, with local authority funding for youth work cut by 73% since 2010 and over 4,500 youth worker roles lost as highlighted in recent research from YCMA. This has had a major impact on access to youth work but funding is not the only barrier.

Between August 2024 and March 2025, the research team worked with young people and youth workers to better understand what helps – and hinders – a young person’s participation.

The findings reveal that participation is unequal and some groups of young people are much more likely to miss out.  

Key insights from the report include:

• Young women and girls, young people living in deprived areas, and those receiving free school meals are much less likely to participate in groups and clubs.
• Participation in youth activities tends to decline with age, with older young people more likely to engage in volunteering.
• Young men and boys are less likely to participate in social action and volunteering.
• More affluent young people have much better access to youth activities because they are able to pay for it.
• Awareness is also a major barrier – many young people simply don’t know what opportunities are available locally.

“There are so many clubs in my local area that I would have no clue they were there unless someone told me about it. I used to walk past the Muay Thai club every day and not once did I notice it was there. I think that is a massive problem because there are probably other clubs that I would love to go to but I didn’t even know they were a thing.”

Based on the feedback of those directly impacted, the report identifies six key actions that could significantly increase participation in youth work:

1. Give young people a greater voice and choice in the types of activities available
2. Improve access to local information about youth opportunities
3. Make it easier and less intimidating to try new things
4. Offer high-quality, diverse activities to appeal to different interests
5. Remove practical barriers such as cost and transport
6. Ensure all young people feel welcome, included, and supported

However, implementing these changes will require sustained investment.

The upcoming National Youth Strategy presents a crucial opportunity to reshape the future of youth work in the UK. The government must back their warm words with meaningful investment to respond to what young people have told us. Together, we can create a more equitable and impactful youth sector – one where all young people can be given the chance to thrive.

Understanding who is less likely to participate in youth activities – and why – is vital for anyone working to improve access, engagement, and outcomes in the youth sector. For more information about this research, register to join our free, interactive webinar.