The Centre for Young Lives has published a report exploring how the UK government can keep vulnerable teenagers safe through the Young Futures Hubs programme. The Hubs, launching later in 2025, aim to bring together community-focused services and provide support to young people at risk of involvement in violence. The report sets out a framework for the effective delivery of the Hubs which will act as a central point for young people to access opportunities and support. The report recommends that:

  • To maximise impact, the DCMS should direct resources first to communities facing the greatest challenges, primarily where there are high rates of disadvantage, knife crime and mental health need.
  • Hubs should be open when young people need them, offering inspiring activities to draw them from unsafe environments. Skilled youth professionals must build trusted relationships, and ambitious leaders should drive local change. They recommend £1 million per year per Hub, jointly funded by government departments, to cover staff, rent, and activities.
  • The Department for Culture, Media and Sport should create a Young Futures Plan with the Departments for Work & Pensions, Health & Social Care, and Education to unify policies and enhance the Hubs.
  • Departments in the Young Futures Plan should publish joint guidance and create a central ‘core offer’ of services for the Young Futures Hubs.