A national survey of youth workers has revealed the youth sector is under acute strain, as those working in the sector are responding to rising demand, yet hindered by barriers to professional development, resources and job security. 

The Youth Sector Workforce Survey 2026, launched by the National Youth Agency (NYA) on Monday, suggests that demand for youth work services has intensified sharply as the workforce is increasingly relied upon to provide targeted support for young people facing mental health problems, at risk of online harm, falling out of education, at risk of being engaged in crime and antisocial behaviour or vulnerable to exploitation.