Anyone who delivers support to young people, in places where they can have fun, with the support of a youth worker and volunteers who advise, guide and create opportunities for young people is being urged to complete the National Youth Work Census by the end of March.

The Census is an annual survey carried out by the National Youth Agency in order to capture an accurate picture of youth services and out of school activities.

There are lots of reasons why you should complete the Census:

• It will help provide a case for greater investment in youth work
• It will help commissioners and funders to make decisions about services they want to fund
• It will highlight where there are gaps in provision, as well as pockets on best practice
• It will show you what else is being delivered in your area and help you to identify partnership opportunities

Despite growing recognition of the value of youth work, notably the sector achieving key worker status during the pandemic, there is no consensus on what constitutes a sufficient level of provision.

Leigh Middleton, Chief Executive, NYA said:

“Last year’s Census report showed that youth charities and community groups are disproportionately providing, and being commissioned by local authorities to provide, universal services. Local authority provision is more focussed upon targeted delivery.  After more than a decade of funding cuts there is a desperate need for investment in youth work.

“It’s vital everyone delivering youth work completes the Census so we can bang the drum to protect and grow the sector, as well as highlight where excellent youth work is taking place, in a variety of settings.”

Whilst the Census is open all year-round to complete via the new Youth Work One portal, the NYA will be presenting this year’s State of the Nation report to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport using the data collected by 31 March 2023.

Find out more about the Census and how to ensure you’re included visit the NYA website: www.nya.org.uk/national-youth-sector-census

The National Youth Agency (NYA) are members of the Rural Services Network. You can find out more about them here.