UK Youth is a leading charity committed to ensuring that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. We work to ensure society understands, champions, and delivers effective youth work for all young people. Youth work provides essential community support, a safe space and a trusted adult – as well as opportunities for social interaction and enjoyable activities that allow young people to develop and explore their interests. For many, it is a lifeline, offering informal education, boosting self-esteem, and empowering young people to lead productive lives.
With a network of over 9,000 youth organisations and national partners, UK Youth reaches more than four million young people across the UK. Now more than ever, we are focused on unlocking youth work as a powerful catalyst for change.
As a national voice for the youth sector, we champion youth work and tackle critical challenges, including the lack of investment, the need for cross-sector understanding of the impact of youth work, and the barriers to embedding effective solutions.
We design and deliver programmes that address urgent needs such as employability and social action. We provide grants and organisational support to enhance youth work’s accessibility, sustainability, and impact. Our network benefits from capacity-building, strengthened connections, and the confidence to transform young lives.
Through our campaigns, we advocate for greater investment in youth services, raise awareness of youth work’s positive impact, and mobilise support for young people, driving social change and securing essential funding and resources.
Programmes
UK Youth delivers a diverse range of programmes, supporting more than 120,000 young people each year. These programmes, spanning mental health, social action, and employability, are evidence-based and designed to help young people navigate complex challenges, build confidence, and develop essential skills for life. Find out more here.
Employability
We believe young people need tailored support to find and sustain meaningful employment. Youth workers play a crucial role in this, helping young people develop skills, connect with employers, and build aspirations for their future careers.
- Summer Jobs Programme – Providing 16- to 20-year-olds at risk of violence with paid local employment opportunities, equipping them with key skills for future success. See more here.
- Building Connections – Strengthening youth work’s role in employability by creating partnerships with local businesses and employers, turning connections into opportunities for young people. See more here.
- Building Aspirations – Helping 18- to 24-year-olds not in education, employment, or training (or at risk of becoming so) gain confidence, identify their passions, and create structured career plans.
Thriving Minds
A major initiative improving mental health support for young people. With an initial £10 million investment, the fund provided grants of up to £50,000 per year for three years to 99 charities and non-profits, alongside tailored workshops and training. See more here.
Social Action
We empower young people to create positive change in their communities through youth-led social action.
- #iwill – A movement of 1,000+ organisations and 700 young ambassadors working to support youth-led community action. See more here.
- Hope Collective – A partnership of cross-sector organisations collaborating to create real change for young people and communities. See more here.
Outdoor Learning
We believe experiential outdoor learning gives young people the chance to develop socio-emotional and life skills, including improved communication, motivation, teamwork and resilience, and building character.
Our Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre in the New Forest is a leader in outdoor youth work, ensuring equitable access for all young people. See more here.
Research & Impact
We are proud to be a leader in research which evidences the value and impact of youth work. We conduct research to highlight the impact of youth work and provide evidence to improve youth services. We work locally and nationally to ensure policymakers recognise the value of youth work and invest in it accordingly. Through research and advocacy, we aim to ensure youth work continues to make a real difference in the lives of young people across the UK.
- Untapped – Research shows that for every £1 invested in youth work, the taxpayer benefits by £3.20–£6.40. Youth work already saves the government £3.2bn annually and contributes £5.7bn to the economy.
- Youth Provision and Life Outcomes – Government-backed research highlights long-term positive impacts of youth work, including improved health, education, and pro-social behaviour.
- In Our Own Words – A March 2025 report where young people highlight the importance of youth work and call for more investment, despite youth workers warning they cannot meet growing demand.
- Deliver You – A national listening initiative inviting young people to shape the National Youth Strategy through surveys, events, and focus groups.
- Joined Up Institute – A cross-sector learning initiative bringing together professionals in youth work, education, employment, health, and social care to improve youth services.
Corporate Partners
We partner with purpose-driven organisations committed to increasing opportunities for young people. Our partners include Burger King, Primark, Direct Line Group, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Osborne Clarke, RSA, Nexfibre, The Julia Rausing Trust, Westminster Foundation, and Pears Foundation. Find out more here.
Fundraising
Our fundraising events bring together adventure, community, and purpose, whether it’s running the London Marathon, attending art exhibitions, gala dinners or joining talks with special guests. Every effort helps transform young lives.
We are proud to be a leader in research evidencing the value and impact of youth work. We conduct research to highlight the impact of youth work and provide evidence to improve youth services. We work locally and nationally to ensure policymakers recognise the value of youth work and invest in it accordingly. Through research and advocacy, we aim to ensure youth work continues to make a real difference in the lives of young people across the UK. Find out more here.