What is #InvestInYouthWork?

The #InvestInYouthWork campaign highlights the need for proper investment in youth work services across Scotland. This matches the aspiration and expectation from young people following the Year of Young People 2018, and the Scottish Government’s commitment to incorporate the UNCRC into Scots Law.

The cash being allocated to youth work is being reduced each year in most local authorities. This is having a detrimental impact on many young people who are not able to access services they need, and this hits the most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people the hardest. It also has a knock-on impact on voluntary sector provision of youth work.

Research shows that investing in youth work leads to a significant reduction in mental health issues, youth offending and substance abuse, while it also increases educational attainment and leads to increased earnings later in life. Cutting youth work funding will adversely affect all these social factors and more for an entire generation of young people.

This is why now is the time to #InvestInYouthWork

What are we calling for?

• Return investment in youth work services to pre-austerity levels
• Strengthen the statutory basis for youth work services