Prime Minister invests £88 million in youth clubs and extra-curricular activities amid concerns around screentime and social media
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a total of £88 million in funding for youth services, aiming to address what he called a “worrying trend” around screentime and social media. Through the funded schemes, the Government hopes to “re-connect young people with the world around them”.
“Growing up today is hard for young people. As they navigate their way through the online world, too often they find themselves isolated at home and disconnected from their communities,” Starmer comments.
“As a government, we have a duty to act on this worrying trend. Today’s investment is about offering a better alternative: transformative, real-world opportunities that will have an impact in communities across the country, so young people can discover something new, find their spark and develop the confidence and life skills that no algorithm can teach.”
The investment includes £22.5 million, over three years, for extra-curricular activities in schools such as sport, art and music, outdoor activities, debating and volunteering. The Prime Minister says these will support "wellbeing and essential skills around the school day”.
The UK Government will spend £30.5 million on improving youth club infrastructure in the areas of the UK with the highest rates of child poverty with items such as new gym equipment and climbing walls.
The funding will also support the launch of the Local Youth Transformation pilot. This £8 million project aims to provide a high-quality out-of-school offer.
A joint £19 million investment with the National Lottery Community Fund will provide more than a million hours of youth work in areas with high rates of anti-social behaviour and £7.5 million will support youth organizations such as The Scouts, Girl Guides and the Volunteer Police Cadets in areas with unmet demand.
Starmer adds: “Through our Plan for Change, we’re backing parents by not only protecting our young people online, but giving them the support and opportunities they deserve so no child falls through the cracks.”
