NEWS: Groundwork administers new programme to increase capacity in uniformed youth groups across the UK

20,000 more young people will have the opportunity to join uniformed youth organisations, such as The Scout Association and St John Ambulance, thanks to a £16.9m investment from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to expand capacity and reach across the UK. 

The Uniformed Youth Fund, administered by Groundwork and in partnership with Youth United Foundation, will help clear waiting lists and create new places for young people aged 10-18 in uniformed youth organisations such as Volunteer Police Cadets, Girlguiding and the Marine Society & Sea Cadets.

The eight groups to benefit from the fund are:

  • The Scout Association
  • Girlguiding
  • Jewish Lads’ and Girls’ Brigade
  • Girls’ Brigade
  • Boys’ Brigade
  • Marine Society & Sea Cadets
  • Volunteer Police Cadets
  • St John Ambulance

Since September 2022, DCMS has allocated £1.5 million to eight uniformed youth groups via the Uniformed Youth New Groups Fund, with over 2,000 places already created in areas with no existing provision. The funding sits within the Government’s National Youth Guarantee, an investment of over £500 million in youth services over three years to ensure that by 2025, every young person will have access to regular clubs and activities, adventures away from home and opportunities to volunteer.

We’re pleased to play our part in ensuring uniformed youth groups have the resources they need to extend their provision to more young people in areas where there is a real need. Youth groups and their volunteers are an essential part of the social infrastructure that binds communities together and helps young people develop their confidence, networks and future prospects. Ensuring they continue to thrive is an essential part of building more resilient, sustainable communities.

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive

Notes to Editors

For more information please contact: media@groundwork.org.uk

About Groundwork

Groundwork is a charity working locally and nationally to transform lives in the UK’s most disadvantaged communities.

We’re passionate about creating a future where every neighbourhood is vibrant and green, every community is strong and able to shape its own destiny, and no one is held back by their background or circumstances. We help people gain confidence and skills, get into training and work, protect and improve green spaces, lead more active lives and overcome significant challenges such as poverty, isolation, low skills and poor health: www.groundwork.org.uk