In Our Own Words: Research Exploring the Needs and Preferences of Young People and Youth Practitioners in England
UK Youth · 2025
About this report
This report presents findings from qualitative research commissioned by the National Citizen Service (NCS) and conducted by UK Youth to explore the needs and preferences of young people and youth practitioners across England in relation to youth provision. Key findings include strong support for open-access, centre-based youth provision as a foundation for wellbeing and development; unmet demand for one-to-one mentoring and mental health support; and significant workforce and funding pressures in the sector. The report also examines how digital tools are being used in youth work and highlights the challenges practitioners face in keeping young people safe online, particularly in the context of the 2024 racist riots in England.
Research details
- Methodology
- InterviewFocus groupSurveyMixed methodsOther
- Sample size
- 516
- Sample
- Youth practitioners from across England (and UK for the Just One Question strand) and young people aged 11–17, both currently engaged and not engaged in youth provision.
- Place
- England
- Youth involvement
- No youth involvement
- Funder
- National Citizen Service (NCS)