Crisis – rampant funding cuts

brief. Youth work enables young people to have fun, try new things, develop practical skills, learn about the world, explore our values and issues that matter to us, and develop our voices and places in society.

The necessity of youth work has become even greater in recent years – thanks to a global pandemic, significant education disruption, the climate crisis, a mental health crisis, the cost of living crisis – especially for those who are vulnerable or from disadvantaged backgrounds. This context is heartbreakingly acknowledged in BYC’s closure statement: “We know an unjust and unequal society prevails.”

While I personally never directly engaged with BYC, I’ve witnessed the positive impact it has had through friends and colleagues who have been involved.

As pioneers in amplifying youth voices and advocating for a more inclusive democracy for over 75 years, it’s disheartening to think that many other enthusiastic, motivated, and talented young people may now have fewer opportunities to access such invaluable experiences, where they could find their voice and have their lived expertise valued. Especially with a UK General Election on the horizon. Especially given the incoming implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots Law this summer. What about our UNCRC Article 12 right to be heard? “Nothing about us without us”, right? Because “we are the leaders not just of tomorrow, but today”?

At a time when children and young people are struggling more than ever, BYC’s closure is a massive step backwards – and even that is still an understatement. It renders the above statements somewhat hollow when we lose platforms to speak out. We need more – not fewer – opportunities to have our voices heard and respected, to realise a youth-empowering democracy.

Lack of funding is a problem that young people, and those who support us, have been acutely aware of throughout the era of austerity. BYC’s closure and the subsequent outpouring of support, sadness, and tributes online further amplify the alarm that has been ringing for far too long already.

Wake up, decision-makers. Stop hitting the snooze button.

Governments – national and devolved – must prioritise investing in both young people’s futures and our current realities. To do anything less would be to fail young people.

And, to all those who have contributed to BYC’s mission of empowering youth voices over the past 75 years, thank you so much for your efforts and dedication. May your legacy live on.

Members of the British Youth Council have held debates in Parliament