New Youth Opportunities Plan launched for Ebbsfleet

More than 300 young people have helped shape an ambitious new plan following months of engagement to improve youth provision, tackle barriers to participation and strengthen youth voice

A Youth Opportunities Plan, commissioned by Ebbsfleet Development Corporation and produced by Youth Leads UK has been launched, setting out a long-term vision and practical action plan to improve opportunities, wellbeing, and life chances for young people across Ebbsfleet and the surrounding areas.

The plan was developed through extensive engagement with more than 300 young people and 15 organisations working with and for young people, including local authorities, schools, voluntary and community organisations, faith groups and youth voice bodies. It provides one of the most comprehensive assessments yet of the needs, aspirations and experiences of young people living in Ebbsfleet, Northfleet, Swanscombe, Greenhithe and surrounding communities.

As one of the youngest and fastest-growing communities in the Southeast, Ebbsfleet faces a unique opportunity. Census data highlighted in the report shows that 28.3% of Ebbsfleet’s population is aged under 16, while only 1.7% is aged 65 or over. Population data points to a surge in the youth population in the next three to five years, making decisions about youth provision increasingly urgent.

The research identified five headline findings that consistently emerged from conversations with young people:

1. Young people want somewhere to simply exist.
2. Cost is the single biggest barrier to participation.
3. Many young people don’t know what they don’t know.
4. Provision has significant gaps in age, inclusion and awareness.
5. Young people want to be heard, not just served.

In response, the plan sets out five priority recommendations designed to create lasting change:

1. Create a dedicated youth social space in Ebbsfleet.
2. Address cost barriers through a Youth Access Fund.
3. Build provision that opens young people’s horizons.
4. Create a more connected and visible network of youth services.
5. Establish a sustained and representative youth voice mechanism.

Only around one in five young people consulted through the research felt they are listened to when decisions are made in their area, leading to recommendations for the creation of an Ebbsfleet Youth Forum giving young people genuine influence over the places and services being created around them.

The research also found that young people consistently called for safe, welcoming social spaces where they can spend time with friends, build confidence and feel a sense of belonging. The plan recommends making use of existing community facilities, including Weldon Heart and Weldon Wellbeing Pavilion, while exploring longer-term opportunities to secure dedicated youth-focused spaces as Ebbsfleet continues to grow.

The accompanying Costing & Delivery Framework sets out how the plan will be paid for and rolled out in stages. An initial £180,000 has been allocated for Year 1, funded through developer contributions already secured through the planning process. Future phases aim to grow and sustain provision by working with local authorities, employers, health partners and grant funders.

The plan, launched at an event held at Weldon Wellbeing Pavilion on 16 September 2026, included a pledge campaign inviting organisations, community groups, partners and businesses to support its delivery. Attendees took part in a workshop focused on how the five priority recommendations can be turned into action.

Mary Rouse, Community Development Manager, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation said:

“Young people have told us clearly what they need to thrive: somewhere to go, opportunities that are affordable and accessible, and a genuine voice in the future of their community. This plan provides an evidence-based roadmap for how partners across Ebbsfleet, Dartford and Gravesham can work together to respond to those needs. As Ebbsfleet grows, this generation of young people deserves a real part in shaping the community they’re growing up in.”

Saeed Atcha MBE DL, Founder & CEO of Youth Leads UK, added:

“This plan is grounded in the lived experiences of local young people. The recommendations are not based on assumptions about what young people need, but on what they told us directly. Ebbsfleet has an opportunity to become a national example of how growing communities can place young people at the centre of decision-making and investment.”

Jim Dickson MP, Member of Parliament for Dartford, said:

“I welcome this critical piece of work which is a genuine blueprint and an action plan to do something about the issues that affect our young people. Thank you to Youth Leads UK for bringing their expertise and experience to Ebbsfleet and the surrounding area. It’s important we all turn these commitments into action.”

Organisations, community groups, partners and businesses are invited to join the pledge campaign, supporting the delivery of the Youth Opportunities Plan through funding, collaboration, youth engagement or advocacy.