A NEW STRATEGY: YOUTH LEADS UK’S VISION FOR 2025-2030
Youth Leads UK has unveiled an ambitious new strategy to guide its work over the next five years: to grow its reach, strengthen its foundations, and accelerate its impact. Rooted in the voices of young people and drawing on 15 years of experience, the strategy marks a new chapter in Youth Leads UK’s mission to champion youth leadership, drive meaningful change, and create opportunities that empower young people to thrive.
Designed as a direct response to the issues young people face today – climate anxiety, mental health and the cost-of-living crisis. This new strategy will equip young people with the tools they need to build their leadership and confidence. Now more than ever, young people deserve to feel heard and empowered to deliver meaningful, long-lasting impact.
Youth Leads UK’s vision is for a country where young people matter: confident in their voices, connected to their communities, building skills, and creating positive change. By 2030, the organisation aims to transform the way young people are seen, supported, and celebrated through the introduction of six bold new missions: Mission Equipped, Mission Power, Mission Youth Voice, Mission Stronger Together, Mission Serving Youth, and Mission Strength.
The strategy was launched at Youth Leads UK’s Generation:NOW event, which brought together over 85 guests from across Greater Manchester for an evening dedicated to building connections, elevating youth voice, and celebrating this new direction. The event united young people, industry professionals, and key decision-makers, all committed to supporting this exciting new phase.
Representing the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, Deputy Mayor Kate Green OBE JP said:
“The Mayor and I deeply value the incredible work of Youth Leads UK and the leadership shown by its young people. We are proud to work alongside Youth Leads UK, whose model sets the standard for genuine civic participation and youth engagement done right. As we launch our new Greater Manchester Strategy, we commit to ensuring young people are not only consulted but have a seat at the table whenever decisions affecting them are made. It is our responsibility to open doors, to listen, and to act – empowering young people to lead and make change happen.”
Representing His Majesty The King, The Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins said:
“I’ve watched first hand the difference that Youth Leads UK has made to young people and their futures, and the inspiration and confidence it has given them. It’s essential to broaden young people’s horizons in various ways. One of which is the magistracy. You can become a magistrate at 18 years old. It’s important that we all recognise the need to help our young people by giving them goals and aspirations.”
Olivia, a young person currently enrolled on the Salford Leadership Programme, said:
“When I first joined Youth Leads UK, I thought it would be just another after-school activity, but it turned out to be so much more. Every session is full of fun, empowerment, community, inspiration, and boldness. It has given me confidence, insight, and a real sense of belonging. Before Youth Leads, I felt there was a big gap between society and students like me. We were seen as immature troublemakers. Here, we’re treated as respected individuals, trusted and valued.”
Saeed Atcha MBE DL, Founder and CEO of Youth Leads UK, said:
“Young people matter, and they deserve the skills, confidence, and opportunities to make a difference. This strategy is about giving them the tools to lead change, not just talk about it. As we enter our 15th year, we are committing to working with thousands more young people, getting more of them into positions of power, and contributing millions of pounds of social impact to society.”
You can find event images here, and read the organisation’s brand-new strategy here.
Youth Leads UK invites partners, supporters, and young people themselves to get involved in making this vision a reality. By working together, we can create a society where every young person has the confidence, skills, and opportunities they deserve. For those who want to be part of this mission, there are many ways to engage, from volunteering and partnerships to supporting programmes that champion youth leadership across the country.
