The publication of the National Youth Strategy marks a landmark moment for young people and for everyone committed to their rights, development, and wellbeing.
As the Network of Regional Youth Work Units, we welcome this Strategy as a clear and long-overdue recognition of the vital role that youth work plays in strengthening communities and ensuring that every young person, wherever they live, has access to trusted adults, safe spaces, and meaningful opportunities to thrive.
This Strategy builds on and reflects the extensive work we have undertaken across the regions to support its development. Through convening local voices, sharing insight from frontline practice, and amplifying the experiences of young people and practitioners, we have helped shape a vision rooted in real needs and real opportunities.
For us, this Strategy is not an end point but a catalyst for action. It signals a renewed commitment to listening to young people, to investing in the workforce that supports them, and to ensuring youth work is recognised as an essential part of a thriving national infrastructure.
The Network of Regional Youth Work Units will continue to champion the ambitions set out in the Strategy, support its implementation across all regions, and work with partners to ensure government delivers on its commitments, so that every young person can benefit from the opportunities they deserve.