Youth United Foundation March Newsletter 2026

In this newsletter, you will learn about Grace's story, updates to the refreshed DCMS Fund page, what's new with Heritage Youth Partnership, all about The Big Help Out, and our Strategy for the next 3 years

Grace Represents Young People in Parliament

Grace represented young people in Parliament during a discussion with the Youth United Foundation about the future of uniformed youth. She felt “giddy” at the chance to share her story and how uniformed organisations impact young lives. Reflecting on her journey, Grace emphasised her youth group as a welcoming space for belonging, learning, and support through various challenges.

Refreshed DCMS Funding Page

The updated Department for Culture, Media and Sport funding page on our website celebrates a significant advancement for uniformed youth across England, showcasing the impact of the Uniformed Youth Fund and the Youth United Foundation's role. Through collaboration, the Fund is increasing access to activities that foster confidence, well-being, and essential life skills, especially in under-resourced areas.

The page features compelling case studies that highlight the positive effects of this funding, from new local groups in neglected communities to young people gaining leadership skills and a sense of belonging. These stories illustrate a growing sector that prioritises community and opportunity, suggesting a promising future for uniformed youth as efforts continue.

The Big Help Out Returns 

5-8 June 2026

The Big Help Out returns 5-8 June 2026 during Volunteers’ Week to celebrate and grow volunteering. In 2024, 6.4 million people participated, highlighting the strong desire to contribute to local communities. Benefits included a 79% increase in the likelihood to volunteer and improved social connections and community belonging.

This is a great chance for the Youth United Foundation network to promote youth volunteering. Organisations can attract new volunteers with simple “come and try” activities, use Big Help Out branding to promote opportunities, and leverage ambassadors to spread the word. Local groups can advertise roles for free on GoVo. Please inform YUF about your plans so we can share them with the national team for broader visibility. Even minimal involvement can have a significant impact.

Heritage Youth Partnership

We’ve been busy with all-things heritage this quarter (as always)! We’re very excited about the launch of the Girls’ Brigade’s new national heritage badge. Our Youth Voice Ambassadors have represented youth perspectives at national heritage events and helped us to create two new resources for heritage organisations, which launched in February.

We’re thrilled to have worked with Historic Houses to launch their HYP map, which shows heritage venues with opportunities for uniformed youth groups near you. We are here to support with any local partnerships which arise from connecting via the map – just get in touch if you want to discuss further.

Youth United Foundation Strategy

As the Youth United Foundation Network looks to the years ahead, this strategy sets out an ambitious vision for a United Kingdom where every young person feels connected, confident, and equipped for life through participation in uniformed youth groups. Building on national priorities and the proven strengths of the sector, it reaffirms a shared commitment to belonging, resilience, leadership, and meaningful opportunity for young people, while recognising the vital role of trusted adult volunteers and strong collaboration across the network.

From 2026 to 2029, the focus will be on championing the contribution of uniformed youth organisations at the heart of positive outcomes, strengthening collective delivery through shared knowledge and common standards, and forging strategic partnerships that expand opportunity, visibility, and sustainable growth. Central to this ambition is ensuring that young people’s voices are heard at the highest levels, that barriers to participation are removed, and that the sector is equipped with the resources and stability needed to serve future generations.

This strategy will be launched publicly and across the internal network as a renewed statement of unity, purpose, and confidence in the future. It reflects a determination to deepen national impact and to help shape a hopeful future in which every young person can thrive.