Nacro responds to the Government’s ‘Youth Guarantee’ announcement that thousands of young people across England will receive targeted support into work, education or training under a new ÂŁ45 million scheme.
Campbell Robb, Chief Executive of Nacro, said:Â
“The launch of the Youth Guarantee is a welcome step forward in recognising the urgent need to support young people into work, education, or training—particularly those facing entrenched barriers of poverty and inequality.Â
At Nacro, we work every day with young people who have grown up through austerity, the pandemic, and now a cost-of-living crisis. Many of them want to build meaningful lives—to develop their skills and contribute to their communities—but are held back by poor mental health, a lack of confidence, and limited local opportunities.Â
We know from our recent Truth About Youth report that these young people are not short on ambition—they are short on the support they need to make their ambitions a reality. That’s why the Government’s investment in targeted services, mental health provision, and careers advice is so important. But if this initiative is to succeed, it must be matched by sustained, properly funded support systems that address the full complexity of the challenges young people face.Â
We urge the Government to keep young people—especially those who feel furthest from opportunities—at the heart of this work. Listen to them. Work with them. And ensure that this goes beyond another well-intentioned policy announcement, to become a lasting commitment to creating a fairer future for young people.Â
Every young person deserves the chance to thrive—not just survive.”Â
Notes to Editors
