We have named the Youth Federation as a long-term local partner.

The charity supports young people aged 8-25 to overcome barriers in their lives and reach their full potential, no matter what their background or circumstances. The organisation typically supports 5,000 young people a year.

At the heart of the Youth Federation are its values: to enable young people to thrive and achieve their full potential regardless of background or circumstances and to act as a resource for young people, providing advice, mentoring, assistance, services, training and activities that help to advance education and relieve unemployment.

A spokesperson for Youth Federation said:

“For many of the young people that we work with, home is not necessarily a safe space. They may be living in poverty, dealing with domestic abuse, sexual abuse, addictions etc. Many young people are in care or are carers for family members. We support a high percentage of young people who have hidden disabilities such as mental health issues, autism or other learning difficulties. These young people are the most likely to be digitally excluded, struggle with mainstream education and are most likely to be NEET (not in education, employment or training). 

“There are four million people in the UK out of work due to ill health or caring responsibilities and the Government is failing to address this issue. Many of the young people that we deal with on our employment programmes lack the soft skills that employers require and lead chaotic lifestyles, constantly at risk of homelessness/sofa surfing. Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen a dramatic increase in young people needing early intervention mental health support — with the numbers presenting with self-harm / suicidal thoughts growing month by month as they struggle to get the support they need in a timely manner. 

For many of the young people that we work with, home is not necessarily a safe space. They may be living in poverty, dealing with domestic abuse, sexual abuse, addictions etc. Many young people are in care or are carers for family members”.

Our long-term local grant is to support Youth Federation’s core costs and salaries.