Thousands more young people to access help with life's biggest challenges
The UK government will open 42 new Young Futures Hubs across England to provide integrated support for young people aged 10 to 25, addressing mental health, employment, and crime prevention needs.
The government has announced plans to establish 42 new Young Futures Hubs across England, reversing a decade of decline in local youth services. These hubs will offer integrated support including mental health services, employment training, crime prevention, sports, and creative activities, all delivered in one location. The initiative aims to provide seamless, holistic support for young people aged 10 to 18, and up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Each hub will be co-designed with young people to ensure services meet their specific needs and challenges.
Local authorities in England will lead the establishment of the new hubs, building on the eight existing early adopter hubs already operational. The programme is part of the government’s National Youth Strategy, Youth Matters, which was co-produced with 14,000 young people through a ‘State of the Nation’ survey. The strategy highlights the need for safe, supportive environments and face-to-face opportunities for young people, addressing gaps left by increased reliance on online interactions.
The expansion is supported by over £500 million of government investment, with a delivery plan to rebuild youth services over the next decade. The hubs will empower local communities to design services tailored to young people’s needs, ensuring they have access to trusted adults, positive activities, and vital support. The government describes the initiative as a commitment to supporting young people and helping them succeed, with further measures to be announced in the coming weeks.
The new hubs will work alongside existing Youth Hubs for young adults aged 18 to 25, which provide employment support and opportunities. The government aims to open 50 Young Futures Hubs by the end of the current Parliament, adopting a ‘prevention-first’ approach to reduce youth crime and improve life chances. The hubs will connect young people with early support to prevent issues from escalating, including addressing the root causes of offending and reducing the number of children entering the criminal justice system.