Charities have welcomed the government’s launch this week of a national youth strategy backed by £500m of investment in services for young people.

The sector is set benefit from the spending announcement in the government’s Youth Matters strategy, which has a focus on improving youth clubs and young people’s access to youth workers.

This includes £350m, which will be used to build or refurbish up to 250 youth clubs over the next four years and provide equipment to activities for 2,500 youth organisations.

Youth Futures Hubs, to help young people at risk of being drawn into crime, will be launched by March 2029 and backed by £70m.

Meanwhile, £60m is to be invested in a Richer Young Lives Fund to provide youth work and activities aimed at disadvantaged young people.

Ministers also want to improve local partnerships between councils, charities and other support services. They have set aside £5m for this work, which has a focus on improving local information sharing.

National Youth Agency chief executive Leigh Middleton said his charity has been working with the government on developing the strategy, which has also involved input from more than 1,400 young people.

“Ambition must now be matched with delivery, he said.

“We will continue to work closely with Government to ensure these promises translate into tangible improvements, especially for those facing the greatest challenges.”

He added: “This strategy is a positive step towards equity for young people across England, and we look forward to turning these commitments into lasting change.”

Centre for Mental Health associate director of policy Kadra Abdinasir, described the strategy as “an important cross-government opportunity to strengthen young people’s mental health”.

“Trusted adults, safe community spaces and early support are all key to preventing mental health problems escalating,” she said.

“By expanding these opportunities nationwide, the strategy can help ensure every young person feels supported, connected and able to thrive.”

Another to welcome the strategy is Nick Temple, chief executive of Social Investment Business, which has already been involved in delivering improvements to youth facilities.

“We know how transformational funds like these can be,” he said.

“The combination of a place-based approach and partnership with local experts will deliver real change for young people in the areas of greatest need.

“Already one in seven young people live within walking distance of a new or improved youth centre, thanks to the government's previous £300m+ funding for the sector. Today's announcement will mean these opportunities are expanded to many more young people.

“We look forward to supporting the government as they finalise the design and delivery of these crucial investments to support young people in England."

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