Ambitious plans to level up activities for young people

Young people in England will be given access to more activities, trips away from home and volunteering opportunities as part of a new National Youth Guarantee.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said that the announcement, backed by £560 million of government investment, will ensure that young people in the most deprived parts of England have access to thousands of new activities. This includes expeditions with every state secondary school being offered The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for the first time, social action projects or learning new money management or public speaking skills through the National Citizen Service.

Youth services across 45 local authorities and around 600 district wards in the most deprived parts of England will be eligible to apply for the £378 million Youth Investment Fund. From St Ives to St Helens and Devon to Derby, the fund will benefit communities across all regions of the country. The measures will enable 300 youth facilities to be built or refurbished over the next three years, providing young people with a safe space to engage in positive activities outside of school, and access support from youth workers.

Dorries said: “We want every young person, no matter where they’re from, to get the best start in life. That is why we are supporting young people with a National Youth Guarantee to access regular club activities, adventures away from home and volunteering opportunities. Our Youth Review told us exactly what young people want and that’s what this Government is delivering on - levelling up opportunities for young people, regardless where you were born or where you are headed in life.”

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, added: “Every young person should have access to the kinds of life-changing activities which expand your horizons and arm you with vital life skills. Our Levelling Up White Paper will set out a plan to spread opportunity to every corner of our country, making sure that we are harnessing the true potential of every community.”