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Now’s Our Chance: YMCA Releases Manifesto for Young People Ahead of General Election
As the UK prepares for the next General Election, YMCA has today launched a bold plan to urge political parties and leaders to seize the opportunity to create positive change for young people.
Using the timely call to action of “Now’s Our Chance,” YMCA emphasises the critical need for comprehensive and targeted policies to address the challenges faced by young people, families, and communities.
The ongoing adverse impact of the pandemic, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis, housing shortage and historic underfunding, has left lasting scars on communities. However, YMCA is hopeful that 2024 offers a chance to put young people’s priorities back on the agenda, creating real change and opportunities for the future.
Through hundreds of services and projects across England and Wales, YMCA has worked alongside young people to provide the next government with recommendations including addressing homelessness, improving mental health, promoting sustainable education, offering financial support, and fostering strong relationships
Every young person should have access to Youth Services in their area, all year round.
Denise Hatton, Chief Executive, YMCA England & Wales said:
“Our vision of the future for young people and communities is one where everyone has stability, security, and access to the resources they need to thrive.”
“We want everyone across the country to be able to flourish, not just survive, and to be treated with fairness, equity, and dignity.”
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Every young person should have access to affordable, good quality, safe and secure housing.
The housing crisis, marked by a severe shortage of affordable homes, disproportionately impacts young individuals due to lower wages and benefits. YMCA is calling for urgent action, emphasising the need for policies addressing the housing shortage and alleviating hardship and homelessness.
Insufficient funding for early years education has led to a recruitment crisis, nursery closures and a constant struggle for families. YMCA calls for a funding overhaul and increased support to ensure the success of children in their early and most important years.
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Every young person should have the financial support to allow them to meet their essential needs.
The cost-of-living crisis further compounds the challenges faced by young individuals, who struggle with basic essentials due to lower wages and benefits. YMCA calls for a benefits system that safeguards essential needs, recognising its pivotal role in alleviating financial instability among young people facing hardship.
The mental health crisis among young people has intensified during the pandemic, exacerbated by long NHS waiting lists. YMCA stresses the need for accessible mental health services and a preventive approach, urging leaders to prioritise and enhance mental health support.
Ongoing underfunding in the education sector and barriers to apprenticeships hinder the progress of many young individuals. YMCA urges political leaders to invest in a comprehensive education system, setting the stage for success for children and young people alike.
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Looking at youth services, a fundamental structure for ensuring young people are supported to live happy, healthy lives, a staggering 73% decline in funding (£1.1bn) over the past decade has led to job losses and centre closures. YMCA calls for a comprehensive strategy that addresses these cuts and promotes and sustains youth work. As an organisation, YMCA advocates for the importance of maintaining and enhancing support systems for young people.
Denise Hatton, Chief Executive, YMCA England & Wales concludes:
“We are at a fork in the road, now is our chance to prioritise and invest in our young people, and we urge the next government to take this responsibility seriously. YMCA calls on the next government to create positive change and a brighter future for the younger generations across the country. We cannot afford to leave anyone behind.”
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