UK Youth delivers the secretariat for the Back Youth Alliance, a strategic alliance of leading national youth sector organisations. We leverage the collective power of our scale, influence and reach to present a coherent vision and voice to decision makers, with and for young people.
The Back Youth Alliance was created in 2020 to champion solutions together with young people for our most pressing challenges, speaking with one voice and ensuring that funding delivers the greatest impact. Members include: The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Girlguiding, National Youth Agency, OnSide, The King’s Trust, Scouts, UK Youth, Youth Hostel Association, YMCA and Youth United Foundation.
Our vision as an alliance is simple: a future in which all young people feel safe, respected and heard. We stand ready to work with Government to make that vision a reality through the implementation of the National Youth Strategy.
What is youth work and why is it so important?
Youth work is transformative and plays a life-changing role in the lives of young people. It has the ability to positively shape and even save lives. Unlocking young people’s potential means supporting the trusted adults and safe spaces around them.
Youth workers play an essential role in the support system available to young people. Youth work gives young people access to equal opportunities to learn new skills, have fun and contribute to their communities.
Positive outcomes associated with youth work participation in short-term, relating to: physical health, wellbeing, pro-social behaviours, and education (UK Youth and SQW DCMS Barriers Research, 2024).
There is also strong evidence that these short-term outcomes are sustained over decades and remain more positive than peers who did not access youth provision. People who had participated in youth work earlier in life were happier, healthier, wealthier, and more actively involved in their communities.
Youth work provides young people with accessible, inclusive, and empowering support with a strong emphasis on safe spaces, trusted relationships, and opportunities to feel joy and hope.
There is a strong moral and economic case for youth work. Strategic investment in youth services reduces pressure on acute public services, including mental health, criminal justice, education, and welfare.
By investing in future generations now through youth work, it will create a more prosperous, secure and connected future economy and society. We cannot afford not to invest in future generations through youth work.
