Blog Archives - UK Youth

We’re pleased to announce that the Belong Collective is back.

Building on the success of the original programme, this next phase continues a cross-sector effort to tackle youth loneliness — combining national online training with targeted local action to bring young people and professionals together where it’s needed most.

The Belong Collective is led by UK Youth, working in partnership with Youth Focus North East (YFNE), building on a strong and established collaboration. With the support of the Astra Foundation, this next phase will continue to grow the movement and its impact.

Continuing the movement: Why Belong matters now

Youth loneliness remains under-addressed, with 19% of UK 16–24-year-olds reporting they “often or always” feel lonely, while youth workers—though well placed to respond—may lack the tools, support, and connections to do so effectively as shown by UK Youth’s findings (2018, 2022, 2024).

From 2021–24, the Belong Collective, delivered by UK Youth in partnership with Youth Focus North East and supported by funders, responded to this gap by growing into a national movement that brought together young people and cross-sector professionals to co-create solutions. Over three years, it funded 30+ youth-led social action projects, engaged 400+ professionals, and supported young people as leaders, campaigners, and creators, while developing resources used across the UK.

These learnings highlight both the impact of the Collective and the ongoing need for a joined-up, cross-sector approach—making its continuation as important now as ever. It returns at a time when youth loneliness remains a significant and ongoing challenge.

From December 2025 – November 2028, the Belong Collective will build on previous learning — continuing to bring together young people and professionals across sectors, strengthen collaboration, and support action that helps young people feel more connected and supported.

Find out more about the Belong Collective here

Archive: The Belong Collective (2021-2024)

Explore previous updates and learning from earlier phases of the programme:

Belong continues to work towards a future where every young person feels connected, supported, and that they belong.

We’d like to thank our previous funder, Co-op Foundation, for their support in establishing and growing the Belong Collective, helping to build a strong foundation for this work across the UK.