Young people in England are yearning for the revival of youth clubs after severe budget cuts left 75% of 16- to 19-year-olds without access to youth workers, suggests research from the National Youth Agency. The study shows that more than half of teenagers desire youth work that is engaging and fun, emphasizing the need for additional support in this area.
To address this issue, youth organizations are urging the government to allocate up to £1bn annually to bolster youth services, following a significant decline in local authority-run youth centers over the years. Labour has pledged to invest £100m per year in policies like “young futures” hubs, aimed at providing vital support to teenagers, especially those at risk of getting involved in violent activities.
Despite the alarming decrease in youth services funding, studies indicate a direct link between youth provision and positive outcomes in areas such as physical health, education, and social behaviors. It’s crucial to prioritize youth work to support the wellbeing and development of young individuals in the community.