Birmingham Youth Hub Calls for Focus on Social Mobility in Government’s 10-Year Youth Plan
Prime Minister’s strategy names Birmingham among first areas to benefit as charity urges hope and opportunity for young people
A Birmingham youth hub says young people in the city need more hope and opportunities as the Government announces a new 10-year plan for young people.
The Prime Minister has set out a national strategy aimed at improving prospects for young people, with Birmingham named as one of the first areas to benefit.
The plan includes opening new youth hubs and increasing support for young people across the country.
Barrie Hodge, who works with youth hubs in Birmingham for the charity St Basil’s, said the main thing they want to see from the plan is a real focus on social mobility.
He said: “Young people being able to thrive, young people being able to grow. We know if we get that, then ultimately it will benefit them and it will benefit Birmingham.”
Hodge added: “We think that young people in Birmingham, what they really need right now is hope. They need to know there’s opportunities to thrive, not just survive. I think ultimately what we’re facing right now is a situation where young people just don’t feel like they have any prospects. So hopefully this plan is going to give those young people some prospects and opportunities to thrive in this city.”
The Government’s plan aims to provide 500,000 more young people across England with access to a trusted adult outside their home, and to invest £500 million into youth services, including building or refurbishing 250 youth facilities over the next four years.
As part of the strategy, the Government will launch a network of 50 “Young Futures” hubs by March 2029, with the first eight operational by March 2026 — including one in Birmingham.
The plan also includes support for organisations in underserved areas, improved wellbeing and life skills programmes in schools, recruitment and training for youth workers and volunteers, and investments to strengthen local partnerships and digital infrastructure.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described improving prospects for young people as “our generation’s greatest responsibility,” warning of a “lost decade of young kids left as collateral damage.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said young people are “the most isolated in generations” and have made it clear they need mental health support, community spaces, and real opportunities to thrive.