Isle of Wight selected for major youth support programme
It will support mental health and provide skills and employment opportunities
Last updated 19th Sep 2026
Young people on the Isle of Wight are set to benefit from improved support services after the council was selected to join the government's Young Futures Hubs and Transformation Programme.
The Island was successful through a competitive application process, securing a place in the national programme, which aims to strengthen youth services and establish a network of Young Futures Hubs across England by 2029.
Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the initiative will help local areas develop services that support young people's mental health and wellbeing, provide skills and employment opportunities, and help reduce vulnerability to crime.
The programme forms part of the government's wider National Youth Strategy.
As part of the scheme, the council will work with young people and partners across the public, voluntary and community sectors to develop a local approach tailored to their needs.
Young Futures Hubs are intended to provide safe, welcoming places where young people can access a range of support and opportunities under one roof, including youth activities, careers advice, wellbeing services and help to build skills and confidence.
Alongside the development of a potential future hub, the programme will also support wider improvements to youth services on the Island through stronger partnership working, workforce development and greater involvement of young people in shaping the services they use.
The programme presents an opportunity to build on existing work with Island young people and explore how services can be better coordinated to meet local needs.
It will also complement the work already undertaken by schools, youth organisations, community groups and partner agencies across the community.
Councillor Ros Freeman, chair of the council's children's services, education and skills committee, said: "I am absolutely delighted that the Isle of Wight has been selected for the Young Futures Support and Transformation Programme.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for our children, young people and families, and I am grateful for the investment and confidence shown in our Island.
"The prospect of developing a new Young Futures Hub is particularly exciting, giving young people greater access to the support, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive.
"This is a very positive step forward for our community, and I look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring for years to come."
No decisions have yet been made regarding locations or delivery models.
The council will establish a steering group to guide the programme's development over the coming weeks.