YMCA Yorkshire Coast has welcomed the publication of Youth Matters, Your National Youth Strategy, describing it as a long overdue commitment to improving the lives of young people. The national YMCA movement has highlighted that this is the first strategy of its kind in more than twenty years and has called it a significant opportunity to rebuild youth provision across England. YMCA Yorkshire Coast echoes this view and recognises the potential impact for young people in Scarborough and on the wider coast.
The strategy sets out long term ambitions to create more places for young people to go, more trusted adults in community settings and better support with wellbeing, skills and transitions into adulthood. These priorities directly reflect what young people have been telling us locally through our programmes in Scarborough. Many young people in our area report feeling isolated, experiencing limited access to safe spaces and having fewer informal opportunities to build confidence and skills.
YMCA England and Wales have stated that while the strategy is welcome, long term revenue funding will be essential to ensure that youth services can operate sustainably and reach those most in need. YMCA Yorkshire Coast strongly supports this position. Lasting change for young people in Scarborough will depend on investment that not only builds or refurbishes facilities but also funds the staff, programmes and partnerships that bring those facilities to life.
The strategy includes plans for new investment in youth centres and community-based activities, although it has not yet been confirmed which areas of the country will be prioritised. YMCA Yorkshire Coast will be monitoring these announcements closely and stands ready to work with North Yorkshire Council and other partners to make the case for the coast. Scarborough experiences significant challenges related to isolation, low incomes and limited accessible opportunities for young people and is therefore well placed to benefit from targeted investment should the area be selected.
In anticipation of future developments, YMCA Yorkshire Coast will now focus on strengthening youth voice across its programmes, preparing a clear vision for its site and deepening collaboration with local partners. Our commitment remains to ensure that young people in Scarborough have access to safe spaces, positive experiences and adults who believe in them.
Liam Downey, Chief Executive of YMCA Yorkshire Coast, 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.”
