A CEO’s Perspective on the Challenges Facing Youth Charities

17 Sep 2024

Published in: Member News

The challenges facing our young people are immense, and the pressure on our organisation to deliver effective support is unprecedented. The cost-of-living crisis has hit young people particularly hard, with many struggling to afford essentials like food, housing, and utilities.

According to a survey by national youth charity OnSide, 25% of 11-18 year olds in the West Midlands have stopped out-of-school activities like sport, dance, and seeing friends, as families divert their limited funds.

Ensuring the sustainability of our charity while keeping our services and activities affordable is a challenging balancing act. Our offer is unrivalled, with membership at £5 per year plus 50p entry, and currently, all young people get a hot cooked meal included. Continuing this is essential for the young people of Wolverhampton.

The pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities and created new challenges. While the immediate crisis may have passed, its long-term impact on young people is still unfolding. The OnSide survey also identified that young people are living isolated lives, with an increasing number spending most of their free time on screens, and 53% spending most of their free time in their bedrooms.

The digital divide remains a persistent barrier. Many young people lack access to devices and reliable internet, hindering their ability to participate in education and employment, and adding to feelings of isolation. Bridging this gap is essential for their future success, but it requires significant resources and collaboration with other organisations.

We are seeing rising rates of anxiety, depression, and isolation among our young people. The same OnSide survey showed that 50% of young people in the West Midlands report high or very high levels of anxiety. This requires a significant investment in mental health support, which is often overlooked in favour of more immediate needs.

It’s tougher than ever for charities to attract donors. Tight budgets due to the economic downturn mean people have less to donate, and they’re focusing on essentials first. With so many good causes needing help, there’s fierce competition for limited funds.

As a CEO, I am constantly exploring innovative ways to address these challenges. We are focusing on building partnerships across the city. However, the reality is that we need a more holistic approach that involves collaboration between government, businesses, and the voluntary sector.

One of our key strategies is partnering with corporates to develop their future employees. By providing employability activities for young people, we can help bridge the gap between education and employment. These partnerships not only benefit the young people but also provide businesses with a pipeline of skilled and motivated future employees.

Our patron network, “Pave The Way,” is instrumental in this effort. By working with corporates, we will pave the way to a brighter future for young people. This initiative focuses on creating opportunities and pathways for young people to succeed, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to thrive.

We are committed to offering a range of employability activities, from CV workshops and interview preparation to internships and mentorship programmes. These initiatives equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workforce.

The stakes are high. The work we do is vital to the wellbeing of our nation’s young people. By investing in youth charities, we are investing in the future of our society. Only by working together can we create a brighter future for our young people.

Paul Snape, CEO of The Way Youth Zone

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