Two major youth charities, UK Youth and Ambition, have merged. Offering complementary services to youth organisations, young people and the sector, the trustees, CEOs, staff and key stakeholders of both UK Youth and Ambition agreed that a merger would best serve the interests of the young people it serves.

Both charities have a long history of supporting young people and the youth sector thanks to their common heritage as the National Organisation of Girls' Clubs (UK Youth) and The National Association of Boys’ Clubs (Ambition). Indeed merger talks between the two have been occurring since 1940 – with it being dryly noted as “hardly a shotgun wedding”.

Looking forward to increasing the scope of operations of the new organisation Anna Smee, CEO of UK Youth, said: “The merger gives us greater scope and greater efficiencies, such as in HR and accounts, and the ability to share learning. However, there will be no job losses."

Emma Revie, CEO of Ambition said: “We’re passionate about supporting youth organisations to provide high quality services for young people. This is about collaboration and working with members to shape the offering – how do we become greater than the sum of our parts”

Both organisations will now launch a consultation process with their members and ensure that in partnership with local, regional and national youth organisations from across the UK they are offering the best services to young people to tackle social mobility and build bright futures.

Minister for Civil Society, Tracy Crouch commented: "UK Youth and Ambition have both done fantastic work supporting young people across the country and I am confident that this partnership will only strengthen their offering. Together I'm sure they will continue to lead the way championing youth voices, and supporting innovation and partnerships."

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