The Government is backing The King\u2019s Trust\u2019s new youth opportunity initiative with \u00a310 million of funding, launched on 3 June 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Government UK writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Young people across England are set to benefit from a major expansion of mentoring and support services as the Government announces a \u00a310 million investment towards The King\u2019s Trust\u2019s new youth opportunity initiative, backed by King\u2019s Trust Goodwill Ambassador Sir Gareth Southgate. This investment will be matched by corporate and philanthropic partners, creating a \u00a320 million programme over the next four years to expand trusted adult support across England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The funding, which forms part of the Government\u2019s \u00a3500 million National Youth Strategy \u2018Youth Matters\u2019 to improve opportunities and outcomes for young people, was announced today. It forms part of the Government\u2019s National Youth Strategy and wider commitment to support an additional 500,000 young people to have access to a trusted adult outside their home by 2035. Evidence suggests that as many as 1-in-5 young people do not have a trusted adult outside of home to talk to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Delivered in partnership with The King\u2019s Trust, subject to a business case the programme will help young people build the confidence, skills and experience they need to thrive. Providing mentoring, coaching and careers advice, it will connect young people with trusted adults who can provide guidance and support during key transitions in their lives. By providing support early, the programme will help tackle the growing number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), while strengthening the networks and relationships that help young people succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said: \u2018Through this partnership with the King\u2019s Trust and Gareth Southgate we will make sure every young person has someone they can turn to who is firmly in their corner.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The initiative will include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jonathan Townsend, UK Chief Executive of The King\u2019s Trust, said: \u2018We see every day the talent and potential young people across the UK have, but we also see the barriers that stand in their way. Too many are being held back simply because they don\u2019t have access to the opportunities, networks or support they need. We know what works. Building confidence, developing practical skills and ensuring young people have someone who believes in them. This partnership and today\u2019s event make significant strides towards delivering on our mission of ending youth unemployment and now depends on how many join us in building a wider network of support for young people. By working together, we can open doors for many more young people, but we need others to join us in creating those opportunities.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The National Youth Strategy was launched in December 2025, following engagement with more than 14,000 young people and is designed to ensure every young person has access to opportunities, support and positive relationships. Today\u2019s announcement is part of the Government\u2019s wider investment in youth services, including \u00a3350 million to build and refurbish up to 250 youth facilities and more than \u00a360 million through the Richer Young Lives Fund to expand opportunities for young people in underserved communities. The first eight Young Futures Hubs are already open in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, County Durham, Nottingham, Bristol, Tower Hamlets and Brighton & Hove, with 50 hubs expected to open across England by March 2029.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The announcement also coincides with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport becoming the first central Government department to sign the Power of Youth Charter, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring young people have a meaningful voice in shaping the decisions that affect them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Developed by the #iWill movement and already backed by more than 400 organisations, including NHS England and the Premier League, the Charter commits signatories to creating meaningful opportunities for young people to influence decisions and drive positive change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of its commitments, DCMS will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The signing took place on Power of Youth Day, held annually during Volunteers\u2019 Week, which this year is themed Common Ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n