The Youth Funding Crisis On OUR Doorstep

It’s no secret that youth services in Leicestershire have been facing some serious challenges. With funding cuts hitting hard, the impact isn’t just being felt by young people – it’s affecting entire communities. At YMCA Leicestershire, just like our colleagues at YMCA England and Wales, we’re deeply concerned about where this is heading and what it means for the future of our region.

The Current Landscape

Youth services across Leicestershire have been struggling with financial constraints that make it harder to offer the support that young people need. A report by Leicestershire Cares reveals that 40% of children in Leicester city are living in poverty – and many of them come from working families. In the wider county, child poverty rates sit between 10% and 20%. These aren’t just numbers; they represent real young people who need safe spaces, guidance, and opportunities to build a better future. (Leicestershire Cares)

And the financial pressures don’t stop there. Leicester City Council is teetering on the brink of declaring bankruptcy, which will inevitably mean cuts to vital services. County and district councils are also having to make tough decisions, and unfortunately, young people are often the ones who lose out the most. (Leicestershire Cares)

The Impact on Youth Services

When funding gets cut, it’s young people who feel the brunt of it. Youth centres are closing, mental health support is dwindling, and opportunities for education, recreation, and mentorship are becoming harder to access. These services aren’t just ‘nice-to-haves’ – they’re essential for helping young people grow into confident, resilient adults.

The Youth Justice Plan for 2023-2026 makes it clear how crucial early intervention is for at-risk youth. But without the right funding – and with councils already struggling financially – putting these plans into action is becoming more and more difficult. That means too many young people are left without the support they need to navigate life’s challenges. (Leicestershire County Council)

A Call to Action

This crisis isn’t something we can just sit back and watch unfold. At YMCA Leicestershire, we’re standing alongside national voices calling for urgent action to turn things around. Investing in young people isn’t just about doing the right thing – it’s about creating a future where they can contribute positively to their communities, workplaces, and society as a whole.

We’re calling on local authorities, businesses, and community members to step up and recognize just how important youth services are. If we work together to find sustainable solutions, we can ensure that every young person in Leicestershire has the support they need to thrive.

The Bottom Line

This funding crisis is happening right here, right now. The future of our community depends on the choices we make today. At YMCA Leicestershire, we’re committed to standing up for young people – but we can’t do it alone. It’s time for everyone to play their part in tackling this crisis and securing a brighter future for the next generation.

 

Sleep Easy at King Power raises £16,000

On Tuesday 16th May 2023, 55 volunteers arrived at King Power Stadium with sleeping bags in hand, ready to swap their beds for cardboard boxes to support local people experiencing homelessness.

 

After some smooth jazz courtesy of Curtis and Steve and an introductory talk by YMCA Leicestershire CEO, Paul Brown, our participants headed out into the area and set up their cardboard boxes where they’d be sleeping for the night.

 

With a prize on the line for best designed box, there was no shortage of fairy lights and flags, not to mention multi-storey box set-ups complete with a tuck shop, courtesy of our enthusiastic volunteers from the Co-op.

 

 

“The sleep-out was a truly eye-opening experience. Spending the night out in the open with nothing but a sleeping bag and a cardboard box is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. It was cold, uncomfortable, and I didn’t sleep a wink. To think that there are young people who have to do this everyday, without security, proper sanitation or the promise of a sausage sandwich and a nice warm shower is absolutely heartbreaking.” – Gemma, RKH

“My thoughts around taking part were that, as humans, we all have to understand that life and circumstances can change in the blink of an eye. Any of us could become homeless through no fault of our own and I think it’s really important for us all to humble ourselves. This experience was just a small glimpse of how difficult it is for people living on the streets.”  Charlene, PA Housing

After a rough night’s sleep, our volunteers joined us for some morning exercise followed by hot drinks and breakfast courtesy the Holiday Inn.

 

Through their fundraising efforts, we raised close to £19,000 for local homeless young people and adults. These funds will enable YMCA Leicestershire to continue running and expand its vital services, which include providing safe and welcoming accommodation for homeless people aged 16-25, as well as personalised skills sessions to enable young people move forward positively with their lives.

 

We would like to thank everyone who took part and created such a buzz in the stadium including individual fundraisers and staff from Rock Kitchen Harris, PA Housing, Central England Co-Operative, Parallel, Unite Students, Hays, Leicester City Football Club and Leicester City in the Community, VF Corp, YMCA Coalville shop and YMCA Leicestershire staff.  The event would not have been possible without the huge support of an amazing venue and the support of Leicester City Football Club, exercise classes from LCFC in the Community, music from Curtis and Steve, breakfast at Holiday Inn Express, boxes from VF Corporation, marketing and promotion from RKH and FU Media.

 

If you would like to help support YMCA Leicestershire’s work with homeless young people and adults, you can click here to donate.

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