The voluntary sector holds immense power to change lives—but only by working together can charities extend their reach and deepen their impact, Kerry McMillan, CEO of ASTO writes.
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Last year, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that 957,000 young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK were not in education, employment, or training (NEET) in the final quarter of 2025. It’s a troubling figure that highlights a deeper issue: whether the systems designed to support young people are truly connected and reaching those who need them most.

Across the UK, there is no shortage of commitment to youth development. Schools, charities, local authorities, and community organisations are all working hard to provide support. However, organisations often operate within their own structures and constraints, which can lead to fragmentation. Opportunities are missed, knowledge is not consistently shared, and the overall impact is reduced.

In my experience, the solution is not simply more programmes or funding, but better collaboration.

No single organisation can meet every need
The challenges young people face today are complex. Education, wellbeing, confidence, skills, and employability are deeply interconnected, and progress in one area often depends on support in another. No single organisation can realistically address all these needs alone. However, when organisations work together, the potential for meaningful change increases significantly.

Schools can connect young people to opportunities beyond the classroom, while local authorities can help identify and support those most in need. Evidence increasingly shows that this joined-up approach leads to stronger outcomes. EveryYouth's 2024 Impact Report found that traineeship completions more than doubled through strong local partnerships, alongside a 49% increase in young people sustaining education, employment, or training outcomes for three months or more.

Reaching those who are often left out
Collaboration also plays a crucial role in extending reach. Often, the young people who stand to benefit most are those who face the greatest barriers, whether due to lack of awareness, low confidence, financial pressures, or complex personal circumstances. At ASTO (Association of Sail Training Organisations), we see this in action. Through our network, thousands of young people and disabled people take part in sail training each year. These experiences build resilience, confidence, and essential life skills. Importantly, participants are
not reached by chance; they are identified and supported through collaboration between schools, youth services, local authorities, and community groups.

A model for what collaboration can achieve
A powerful example of this approach was the Tall Ships Races in Aberdeen last year. This was not the work of a single organisation, but a collaborative effort involving Aberdeen City Council and a range of partners.

One participant shared: “One thing that really stood out to me was the amount of personal growth came from this experience. Life on the boat pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. Whether it was climbing the rigging, facing the harsh ocean, or speaking and relying on new people. The feeling of accomplishment that came with the experience will stay with me forever.”

What makes this example particularly compelling is not just the immediate impact, but what followed. The engagement model developed in Aberdeen is now being considered as a blueprint for future host ports, demonstrating how collaboration can evolve from a one-off success into a scalable approach. A representative from Ocean Youth Trust Scotland noted: “The Aberdeen Tall Ships Legacy working group is giving our organisation the chance to collaborate with partners across sectors in Aberdeen to ensure that sail training opportunities are front and centre for young people in the area. Working with the Community Learning and Development team allows a targeted approach, supporting young people who can most benefit from the impact of sail training, opening up doors for young people locally.”

We already have much of what we need to transform outcomes for young people: commitment, expertise, and passion. When organisations pool their networks, knowledge, and trust, they don’t just improve programmes, they extend their reach, deepen their impact, and create experiences that stay with young people long after they end

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