National Youth Strategy can “restore real-life connections and improve lives” says YHA

The National Youth Strategy was launched in December alongside the Youth Matters: State of the Nation report which sets out the reality of what it is like to grow up in England. 

The report found that the current generation of young people are the most connected generation in history yet the most isolated and have been among the most impacted by a decade of neglect and austerity. 

It highlighted that young people have lost access to places to spend time outside of school, with more than 1,000 youth centres closing between 2010 and 2023. As a result, many are now spending more time in their bedrooms and online, where relationships can be less positive. 

“Young people have spoken; they want in-person experiences, access to nature, spaces to meet, improved wellbeing.”

James Blake, chief executive of YHA (England & Wales).

The report said that the problems are more likely for young people who are more disadvantaged or vulnerable, impacting their opportunities, outcomes and social mobility.

Plan of action

In response, the Government has set out a 10-year strategy to equip young people with the skills, opportunities, and connections to thrive and shape their own lives and community by providing safe places to go, people to care for them and a community to feel part of. 

The plan aims to ensure young people have stable and loving homes, food on the table, welcoming and safe communities, access to healthcare and high-quality education. 

Part of the strategy aims to create a better enrichment offer in up to 400 schools and ensure that children and young people have access to a wide range of enriching activities inside and outside of school. There will also be increased access to outdoor spaces, as part of the Access to Nature plans. 

“Young people have spoken - they want more”

Responding to the National Youth Strategy, James Blake, chief executive of YHA (England & Wales) said: “The National Youth Strategy offers the chance of a sea change, to reverse the decline in youth provision, restore real-life connections and improve lives.

“Young people have spoken; they want in-person experiences, access to nature, spaces to meet, improved wellbeing. All things YHA provides through inclusive residentials in amazing places.

“Too many young people miss out on having adventures away from home that build confidence, connection and belonging, particularly those from underserved communities. At YHA we’re ready to scale activities that work, building on Generation Green and the National Citizen Service to reach these young people.

“Now is the time to act. This strategy will only succeed if we move at pace and with shared intent. Together we must restore real-life connections to nature and heritage, open doors beyond young people’s immediate communities, and ensure that every young person, regardless of background, can access enriching adventure for the first time, and a lifetime. What matters now is the action we take next, and the speed at which we take it.”