Published in December 2025, Youth Matters is England’s National Youth Strategy, setting out the government’s vision for improving opportunities, wellbeing, and support for young people. A key strength of the strategy is that it was shaped by more than 14,000 young people, ensuring their voices and experiences helped guide its priorities.
Three Priorities for Young People
The strategy is built around three core themes that reflect what young people said matters most to them.
People Who Care
Young people highlighted the importance of trusted adults and positive relationships. As a result, the strategy focuses on strengthening support networks, families, mentors, and youth workers who can help young people navigate challenges and achieve their potential.
Places to Go and Things to Do
Access to safe spaces and enriching activities remains a key priority. The strategy aims to increase opportunities for young people to engage in youth provision, community activities, and experiences that support personal development.
Seen and Heard
Young people want a greater say in the decisions that affect them. The strategy commits to involving young people more directly in the design, delivery, and evaluation of services.
A New Approach to Delivery
Youth Matters also signals a shift in how youth services are delivered. The strategy encourages a move from national to local decision-making, from fragmented services to stronger collaboration, and from excluding young people from decisions to empowering them to shape priorities.
For schools, local authorities, charities, and youth organisations, this aims to create opportunities for greater partnership working and more locally tailored support.
Key Action and Investment
The strategy outlines 10 actions, covering areas such as trusted adults, workforce development, careers support, health and wellbeing, youth safety, and stronger youth voice.
To support delivery, significant investment has been announced, including:
- £350 million for Better Youth Spaces – Building or refurbishing up to 250 facilities, plus equipment for around 2,500 youth organisations.
- £70 million for Young Futures Hubs – Supporting 50 local hubs by March 2029, bringing services together. With the first 8 already open.
- £60 million for the Richer Young Lives Fund – Supporting high-quality activities and youth work in underserved areas.
- £22.5 million for school-day support programmes – Support around the school day in up to 400 schools.
- £15 million for youth workforce development – Recruiting and training youth workers and volunteers.
- £5 million for local youth partnerships
These programmes are being developed throughout 2026, with funding opportunities continuing to emerge across the sector.
Looking Ahead
Youth Matters represents a significant investment in the future of young people across England. By focusing on trusted relationships, accessible opportunities, and meaningful youth participation, the strategy aims to create a more connected, supportive, and empowering environment for the next generation. For organisations working within youth, schools, and education settings, it provides a clear direction of travel and new opportunities to make a lasting impact.
YHA stated “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.”
Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash
