Youth Futures Partnership creates practical, engaging opportunities for young people to try new things, build confidence, learn useful skills and discover routes into education, training and employment — while putting safeguarding and responsible delivery at the heart of the programme.
Young people do not all engage in the same way. Youth Futures uses interests and practical activities as the starting point for relationships, skills and progression.
Activities start with things young people may genuinely want to do rather than expecting engagement simply because adults say something is good for them.
Young people learn by making, playing, creating, repairing, competing, experimenting and working alongside others.
Activities can build confidence, teamwork, communication, practical ability and understanding of future possibilities.
Where a young person finds an interest, we want there to be a route to take it further rather than the experience ending there.
The programme can include mobile youth buses, community activity, school partnerships and employer-led experiences.
Esports, PC building, coding, robotics, streaming and digital skills.
Tool skills, building, joinery and practical vocational tasters.
Mechanics, vehicle technology, detailing and engineering experiences.
Barbering, styling, salon skills, hygiene and customer service.
Music production, DJing, photography, film, podcasts and content creation.
Sport, fitness, coaching, teamwork and positive social activity.
Youth Futures intends to operate with a clear safeguarding framework, appropriately trained people, safer recruitment processes and activity-specific risk management.
Clear reporting procedures and appropriately trained safeguarding leadership should support every programme.
People working with young participants should be recruited and checked appropriately for their role, including DBS checks where eligible and required.
Venues, equipment, mobile hubs and practical activities should be appropriately risk assessed before delivery.
Gaming, streaming, devices and digital communication need specific safeguarding and privacy controls.
A young person does not need a career plan before taking part. Youth Futures can help that plan emerge gradually.
They experience something new in a low-pressure environment.
They find something that holds their interest and choose to return.
They build skills, confidence and achievements through further activity.
They meet mentors, colleges, training providers and employers.
That interest may lead to training, work experience, an apprenticeship, further education or employment.
Where appropriate to the programme and age of the young person, parents and carers should have clear information about what is being delivered, who is delivering it, what consent is required and who to contact with questions.
Parents and carers can provide valuable feedback about barriers to participation, transport, additional needs, interests and changes they observe. That insight can help improve the programme.
Not necessarily. Some Youth Futures activities may be open community provision, while targeted programmes may involve schools or partner referrals. Each programme should explain its eligibility clearly.
No. Youth Futures is designed to provide positive opportunities to a wide range of young people. Some programmes may be targeted around a particular need or location, but participation should not itself be treated as a label.
Some may eventually connect to recognised training or qualifications through appropriate providers. Other activities may provide Youth Futures badges, certificates, portfolios or practical experience. We will distinguish clearly between the two.
We want provision to be inclusive wherever reasonably possible. Parents, carers and partner organisations should be able to discuss support or accessibility needs before participation.
Images and video should only be used under appropriate consent, safeguarding and privacy arrangements. Participation in publicity should not simply be assumed.
Before live delivery begins, every programme should provide clear contact details and safeguarding reporting routes, including details of the relevant safeguarding lead.
If you want to understand a programme, suggest an opportunity or talk about something that could help young people in your community, get in touch.