About us - UK Youth

There are more than 11 million young people in the UK, they make up over a fifth of the population and represent Britain’s future.

UK Youth is a leading charity that exists to ensure all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. We work with others to ensure that the youth sector is strengthened, supported, and that provision is youth-led, evidence-informed and delivers high-quality outcomes.

UK Youth plays a unique role in addressing; the lack of investment into the youth sector, the lack of cross sector understanding of how youth work makes a difference and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions. These factors lead to mass inequality of access to youth services for young people.

Working through networks of youth organisations and supporters, we galvanise a movement of people to support our shared vision. The UK Youth Movement is open to all and currently stands at over 7,000 youth organisations and nation partners, collectively reaching 4.1 million young people. Our mission is to work as a nationwide movement to deliver innovative youth services, grow effective practice and campaign to increase support for youth work.

I believe in equality. I believe we don’t need to wait until we are old to make a difference… I am the best me thanks to youth work.”
Young person who has been supported by UK Youth

Our people

Patron, President and CEO

Ndidi Okezie OBE

CEO

Joining UK Youth as CEO in January 2020, Ndidi is an influential public advocate, delivering transformational change in a variety of contexts. She is deeply committed to youth work, life skills development, and youth equality. Ndidi is also a board member for youth homelessness charity, Centrepoint UK, the National Citizen Service and The Mulberry Schools Trust.

Nigel Mansell CBE

President

The former motor racing champion became President in 1999 and continues to work tirelessly to promote the charity. Nigel has taken on a host of fundraisers raising over £1 million for UK Youth.

HRH The Princess Royal

Patron

HRH, Patron since 2003, makes a number of personal appearances each year on behalf of UK Youth, and has a genuine understanding and passion of the positive impact UK Youth has on young peoples lives.