Frontline leaders from region to drive 10‑year plan for young people 

Released: 06.03.26

A gathering of more than 100 youth sector professionals took place at Plymouth Marjon University to discuss the challenges facing young people in the region and what the government’s new National Youth Strategy means for local services.  

The event was organised by Youth Focus South West, in partnership with the National Youth Agency, UK Youth and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Delegates had an opportunity to hear from national policy makers and discuss how the sector can work together better to improve opportunities and outcomes for young people.  

When Youth Matters: Your National Youth Strategy was launched by the government in December (2025), three major shifts were promised:  

• national decision‑making would become local 
• fragmented services would involve more collaborative working
• young people would be empowered instead of excluded 

The report was informed by the findings of a nationwide consultation with young people aged 10-21 years (and up to 25 years) with SEND.  

Of the people from the South West region who participated in the survey, only 30% said they felt they knew how to influence decisions and fewer still, 28%, said they feel they are being heard by local MPs, counsellors and other decision makers. 

School and career issues were cited as a concern for 78% of young people. 42% of young people say money is a worry and around a third (36%) cited mental health and wellbeing as a concern. 48% said they wanted access to more recreational and leisure activities and nearly a quarter (23%) wanted an adult to talk to who wasn’t a parent or guardian.

The event brought together youth workers, education professionals, health and wellbeing staff, housing teams, crime‑prevention specialists, local authority leaders and funders, marking one of the widest‑ranging cross‑sector efforts in recent youth policy. Senior leaders from DCMS and national bodies were also at the event to hear directly from frontline practitioners about what is happening in the South West region and use this to inform their work. 

Alongside the practitioner event, a separate regional youth engagement session will take place in early 2026, giving young people an active role in influencing the roll‑out of the strategy. These youth‑led forums will ensure that the voices of young people are embedded in decision-making from the outset. 

Dr Tracy Hayes, Associate Professor of Education, Marjon's Strategic Lead for Youth & Community Work, said: "The Government’s Youth Matters National Strategy rightly highlights the importance of tackling social inequity and expanding opportunities for young people.

“Marjon’s 2030 strategy of ‘Inconvenient Excellence’ closely aligns with this vision, combining academic excellence with social purpose. Youth workers are vital as trusted adults who help young people build confidence, belonging and skills for the future. Through our long-standing commitment to youth and community work education and training, alongside our research and knowledge exchange with partners across the region, the University is proud to support the youth workforce and help strengthen opportunity, social mobility and thriving communities."

Hannah Jordan, Youth Focus South West, said: "We are excited to support youth organisations and allied sectors in the region to implement the National Youth Strategy. This important policy sets out a clear commitment and plan for supporting young people in the region. It reflects a shared commitment to empowering young people by providing them with access to people that care, things to do and places to go and being seen and heard. We are especially committed to strengthening the regional voice and ensuring young people in urban, rural, and coastal communities across the South West region are heard, represented, and supported.”

Leigh Middleton OBE, CEO, National Youth Agency, said: “The event brought a wide range of youth professionals together from across the South West region to strengthen how we support young people. It’s will help turn our shared ambition into practical action that reflects the realities of this area. Its impact comes from the expertise gathered in the room, high‑quality data, and our collective commitment to improving young people’s lives.”

Jacob Diggle, Chief Impact Officer, UK Youth, said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside the National Youth Agency, Regional Youth Work Units and others to ensure youth workers have a strong and influential voice in shaping how the National Youth Strategy is delivered. These regional roadshows are a crucial bridge between national ambition and local reality – bringing together practitioners, partners, and decision-makers to build on what already works and expand access to youth workers, safe spaces, and meaningful opportunities for young people in every community.” 

Find out more about courses in Education, Children and Communities at Plymouth Marjon University.