UK Youth · 2021
This report presents findings from a large-scale questionnaire completed by 1,759 youth organisations across England during November 2020, capturing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector and the young people they serve. Key findings show that 64% of participating organisations were at financial risk of closure within 12 months, with reduced income, increased costs, and depleted reserves driving the crisis. Youth organisations reported a substantial increase in demand for services — particularly around mental health, employment, and vulnerability to negative activities — while their capacity to respond was severely curtailed by restrictions and financial pressures. The report calls for urgent, unrestricted long-term funding and non-financial support to prevent widespread closure and help organisations rebuild their workforce and adapt services.