YMCA Yorkshire Coast has hailed the launch of the Government’s new National Youth Strategy, Youth Matters, describing the policy as a "long overdue commitment" to improving the lives of young people.
The strategy, which is the first of its kind in more than twenty years, presents a significant chance to rebuild youth provision across England, according to the national YMCA movement, a sentiment strongly echoed by the Yorkshire Coast branch.
YMCA Yorkshire Coast says it recognised the potential positive impact the strategy could have for young people in Scarborough and along the wider coast. The Government’s long-term ambitions focus on three core areas: creating more places for young people to go, increasing the number of trusted adults in community settings, and providing better support for wellbeing, skills, and transitions into adulthood.
These national priorities directly correspond with local needs identified through the YMCA’s own programmes in Scarborough. Many young people in the area have reported feeling isolated, experiencing limited access to safe spaces, and having fewer informal opportunities available to help them build confidence and skills.
However, the organisation stressed that without firm financial commitments, the strategy's potential could be undermined. YMCA Yorkshire Coast strongly supports the stance taken by YMCA England and Wales, which maintains that long-term revenue funding is essential to ensure youth services can operate sustainably and reach the young people most in need.
Liam Downey, Chief Executive of YMCA Yorkshire Coast, asserted that lasting change will require more than just new facilities. He said:
“Young people on the Yorkshire Coast deserve the same opportunities as young people anywhere else in the country.
This strategy is a step in the right direction, and we are ready to work with partners locally to ensure that its ambitions can be realised in Scarborough.”
While the strategy includes plans for new investment in youth centres and community-based activities, the Government has yet to confirm which areas of the country will be prioritised for funding. YMCA Yorkshire Coast confirmed it will be closely monitoring these announcements.
The organisation confirmed it stands ready to collaborate with North Yorkshire Council and other partners to advocate for investment in the coastal region. Scarborough faces considerable challenges related to isolation, low incomes, and limited accessible opportunities for young people, making it "well placed to benefit from targeted investment should the area be selected," the organisation asserted.
In preparation for future developments, YMCA Yorkshire Coast plans to focus on strengthening youth voice across its programmes, developing a clear vision for its own site, and deepening local collaboration. The central commitment, they said, is to ensure young people in Scarborough have access to safe spaces, positive experiences, and adults who believe in them.
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