Investing in young people was a priority for 117 of 150 Big Local areas. These partnerships described this part of their work as an investment in future generations, and a crucial element of the legacy they wanted to leave behind.
Big Local launched during a period of austerity, which saw significant cuts to public-sector funding and youth services. It was in this context that many Big Local areas prioritised funding activities and services targeted at young people.
As part of this focus on young people, these Big Local areas worked towards:
Ten years into the programme, the total number of estimated beneficiaries for projects related to young people either partly or wholly financed by Big Local funding was 26,900. Some partnerships also sought to engage young people beyond just being beneficiaries and involved them in decision-making .
The long-term nature of Big Local funding meant these partnerships could commit to funding and support over many years. This enabled consistent, ongoing work with young people. For many, this amounted to a significant portion of their childhood and teens.
Approximately ten years into the programme, over £10.8m had been spent across Big Local areas on projects relating to young people. As well as increasing individuals’ skills and opportunities, it also positively impacted wider communities by helping young people to participate as volunteers and develop as future community leaders.
