Written by Jo Morrell. March 2026
There’s a familiar feeling around at the moment — a kind of collective déjà vu.
Every few years, there’s a renewed focus on children and young people, on safe spaces, on belonging. Reports are published, strategies refreshed, and someone inevitably says, with a sense of discovery: “What children and young people really need is places to go and consistent, trusted adults.”
At which point, many of us (particularly those like me who’ve just tipped over into their 60s and have been here so many times before) quietly nod, sip our tea, and think… yep, we know.
What’s interesting is the language. We hear more about wellbeing, relational practice, safe spaces, trusted adults. All important. All valuable. But all, in many ways, describing things that have been quietly happening in communities for a long time — often without the spotlight. Or the funding.
There’s something both hopeful and infuriatingly ironic in that.
Hopeful, because it shows a growing recognition (again) that relationships and spaces matter — that young people need places where they feel safe, known, and able to be themselves.
Infuriating and ironic, because we have a habit of circling back to these truths, each time with slightly different labels.
And we’re nervous right now. Nervously waiting to see if the much- awaited National Youth Strategy and associated DCMS funding will truly honour the hard-won, locally grown expertise and relationships we know are always, always, at the heart of every prevention, early intervention, transitional safeguarding, you name it, successful youth outcome ever.
But maybe together we can make this moment a little different?
Here in Torbay, that renewed focus has given us something to smile about for a change. Five of our partners — Sound Communities, Acorn Centre, YMCA South Devon, Maker Arts, and Doorstep Arts — have collectively brought £285,000 of Better Youth Spaces funding into the area over the past few months.
Better Youth Spaces, a £30.5 million Government fund delivered by Social Investment Business in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, is helping areas like ours improve and equip youth settings, expand access, and create safer, more sustainable spaces.
In Torbay, that means more opportunities for young people to take part in music, sport, drama, creative expression and connection — and a reminder that when funding follows what we already know works, the impact can be both immediate and lasting.
This is truly something to celebrate, in the economic and policy uncertainty we all face. Well done to everyone involved for making this happen.
This funding is being used in the ways that matter.
Better sound and visual equipment.
A new youth café space.
Sports and catering kit.
And a new youth bus to reach young people where they are.
Real, on the ground, practical stuff that makes a difference and shows young people they are valued.
In other celebratory news, five local young people have been supported by Imagine This to successfully complete their Level 2 youth work training with the National Youth Agency — a small but significant investment in the next generation of trusted adults. Because if we’re serious about the importance of relationships, we have to keep growing the people who make them possible. Well done to the young people who completed their training – we know there were many challenges along the way and we’re proud of you all. Thank you to Fuel Youth for supporting the students through a big learning curve for them and us.
If we can keep holding onto that simple truth — that young people need safe spaces and trusted adults — while also backing it with real, practical investment and energy, then let’s hold the collective faith that we can keep making a difference?