In response to the rise in divisive rhetoric and recent demonstrations, UK Youth, joined by the National Youth Agency, Regional Youth Work Units, and other partners, have set out a coordinated response for youth work organisations.

Standing in Solidarity: Supporting the Youth Sector

Recent demonstrations and rhetoric linked to far-right groups have been deeply distressing for many in our communities. Across the country, we have heard from youth workers, volunteers, and organisations about the impact on young people, on those who support them, and on the spaces where young people gather and grow. 

As national youth organisations, we stand together in visible solidarity against racism, Islamophobia, and all forms of divisive rhetoric. We know these issues cut deeply into questions of identity and belonging – for young people, for communities, and for everyone working in the youth sector. 

We have listened and we have heard. In response, we are currently taking these actions: 

• Creating spaces of solidarity and connection:  NYA, UK Youth and network of RYWU will host the first convening sessions for the sector, offering a space to share, connect, and support one another. 

• Making space for youth sector voices to be heard: ensuring the experiences of youth workers, volunteers and organisations are recognised by a wide range of audiences, helping shape the wider conversation. 

• Supporting what already exists: this convening builds on the powerful local, regional, and national work already happening. We see this as a collective effort: these three organisations are stepping forward to coordinate the first session, but it belongs to the whole sector, and we warmly welcome all partners to shape and contribute to what comes next. 

• Sharing and signposting resources to strengthen local responses, including practical tools for organisations, youth workers and volunteers. 

• Amplifying anti-oppressive practice: calling people in, not shutting them out, and supporting the difficult but vital conversations that help communities grow stronger. 

We also recognise that this cannot and will not be healed by short-term actions alone. What is needed is sustained attention, care, commitment and dialogue to ensure the sector is supported and connected for the long haul. 

We reaffirm our belief that youth work – in all its forms, across all communities – is about belonging, care, inclusion, and the right of every young person to feel safe and confident in who they are. By standing together, listening, and acting with solidarity, we can strengthen the sector and the communities we serve. 

Signed by

UK Youth
National Youth Agency
Regional Youth Work Units
Girlguiding
Onside
Scouts UK
YMCA
Youth Hostel Association
Youth United

Standing Together in Solidarity: Reflection and Collective Care

After our first sector convening, so many of you reached out, sharing what’s happening in your communities, offering support, and asking how we can keep this work going. We will only create the changes we want to see in our communities if we stand together and take collective responsibility and action – so thank you for leaning in.

It’s clear that we need ongoing, safer spaces to talk, reflect, and plan. We need to hold both the emotional impact of what we’re facing and bring the strength to act together.

This next session is part of our continuing series, co-hosted by UK Youth, National Youth Agency, and the Network of Regional Youth Work Units. It’s a shared space to pause, reconnect, and build on what’s already begun.

At this session we will reflect on what we heard during the October convening, share updates on collective commitments and next steps, and set out a clearer roadmap for the Solidarity programme –  ensuring we stay rooted in practice, collaboration, and care.

This is a space for everyone in the wider youth sector (practitioners, managers, networks, funders, policy makers and partners) who want to sustain solidarity and action in response to the challenges facing young people and communities.

DATE: Friday 14 November 2025
TIME: 11:00–12:30
LOCATION: Online Register here

Resources