The National Youth Strategy. What Comes Next for Youth Services in Merton

The new National Youth Strategy sets out priorities shaped by the voices of over 14,000 young people. This interactive session offers space for local organisations to explore the detail, hear from key partners, and discuss how to respond collectively.

This free, interactive workshop is being delivered by Merton Connected and the Merton Youth Partnership. It will explore what the newly published National Youth Strategy means in practice for the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector in Merton.

The session will include short keynote inputs, practical workshops and peer-led discussion. Together, we will look at the detail of the strategy, hear perspectives from national and regional partners, and start shaping how the local youth sector might respond. Speakers include the DCMS Youth Team, London Youth and Merton Council.
This is an opportunity to share ideas, build understanding and consider how the strategy could support and strengthen youth provision locally.

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The National Youth Strategy was published on Wednesday 10th December 2025. It is the first national youth strategy for England in over 20 years and marks a significant moment for youth-focused organisations.
Alongside the strategy, a State of the Nation report was published. It draws on the experiences of more than 14,000 young people aged 10 to 21, and up to 25 for young people with SEND. The report sets out the key challenges young people are facing, alongside their priorities, hopes and ambitions.
We strongly encourage organisations to read both documents and reflect on what they may mean for your work and for the young people you support.

1. National Youth Strategy
2. National Youth Strategy (summarised report)
3. State of the Nation Report
4. State of the Nation (summarised report)