Responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement today (6th August 2025) of a major £88 million investment package in youth services, James Blake, our Chief Executive, has welcomed the renewed focus on supporting young people, but warns that not enough of the investment is currently targeted at the life-changing benefits of outdoor experiences.
He said: “This funding package is a welcome and timely recognition of the urgent need to re-connect young people with their communities and support their development outside the classroom. But while new investment in youth services is encouraging, there is not yet enough earmarked for getting young people active outdoors.
“Research consistently shows that outdoor education, particularly residential experiences in nature-rich settings, delivers long-term benefits for young people’s wellbeing, resilience, confidence and social development, especially for those from the most deprived communities.
“This Government must learn from its Adventures Away from Home fund and its recently closed National Citizen Service and Generation Green programmes that outdoor activities, particularly residential stays in nature-rich places, are cost-effective and impactful way to build young people’s senses of confidence, connection and belonging.
“Outdoor activity must be embedded as a core component of the forthcoming National Youth Strategy, not as a ‘nice to have’, but as a proven, essential element of youth development. We must ensure these experiences are not reserved only for the fortunate few.”
“YHA is committed to working alongside government, youth organisations and communities to ensure that every young person gets a residential and benefits from opportunities to thrive beyond the school gates.”
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