Prioritized in Europe, ignored in the UK

On a recent trip to Poland, which has become a second home to me thanks to my Polish wife, I had the opportunity to witness first-hand how the way youth services are funded and supported is in stark contrast to the UK.

Youth services in Poland: well-funded and well-utilized.

While staying with my wife's relatives, I witnessed an unfortunately increasingly rare sight in England. The family's children were preparing for a weekend of activities at the youth club, which mainly focused on sports, with volleyball being the most popular.

What immediately struck me was the sheer number of young people participating. We dropped the kids off at our local youth center and were surprised to see how packed the sessions were. It was clear that this was not a one-off. These types of activities are a normal part of life for Polish children, and because the government funds these services, families like my wife's can easily access them. Families pay a small fee to gain access to many, and children attend at least twice a week.

As I spoke with my relative when we dropped our child off, I couldn't help but make a comparison. I told him that in my experience there is nothing like this in the UK. They were shocked by this. Because, of course, there is a perception outside the UK that there are still very progressive societies that look after everyone. They explained that it is easy for families in Poland to send their children to these youth clubs because the government funds them to be there. We started discussing why the same thing wasn't happening in the UK.

Polish appreciation for youth services

A relative of mine, originally from Bulgaria, suggested that there might be a broader approach to youth participation in Poland and other Eastern European countries that have emerged from communist rule, and commendably, in my opinion, this type of activity is a priority for youth participation. guaranteed to be maintained. their community.

The irony is that these youth worship services, which originated during the communist era, are still cherished and highly regarded today. It provides a structured environment in which young people can build confidence, make friends and stay active, all contributing to better mental and physical health and, more importantly, hope for the future.

In Poland, government funding for youth services remains consistent, providing young people with access to activities that not only keep them engaged but also contribute to their social, emotional and physical development. This is reflected in the continued success of youth clubs and community activities across the country. These services are seen as essential to building a cohesive and well-rounded society, but unfortunately the UK appears to have been neglecting them for at least the last two decades.

A stark contrast: underfunding of youth services in England.

In comparison, the UK has seen a sharp decline in funding for youth provision. Between 2011 and 2021, real funding for youth services in England plummeted by more than 60%, from $1.058 billion to $408.5 million. This has resulted in the closure of more than 1,200 youth centers across the country, leaving many young people without access to safe, structured spaces.

The consequences of these cuts are deeply felt in communities across the UK. Without adequate access to youth services, many young people feel isolated, vulnerable and at risk of falling into a negative cycle of disengagement. Lack of investment in youth clubs and services exacerbates problems including mental health problems, lack of direction and, in some cases, involvement in anti-social behavior. The closure of youth centers has a direct impact on young people's future prospects, preventing them from gaining the life skills, confidence and sense of community that such programs provide.

The importance of government investment in youth services

Reflecting on my experiences in Poland, I couldn't help but feel disappointed that the UK does not place similar importance on funding youth services. In Poland, despite its communist history, youth provisions remain an important part of the social fabric and are cherished for the positive impact they have on young people. This service is not just about keeping children busy, it is about giving young people hope and opportunity to develop, grow and become positive contributors to society.

In contrast, the lack of investment in youth services in England is not just a matter of policy, it is a matter of the loss of potential in the next generation. Young people need more than the basics. They need to have access to structured opportunities that foster their development, increase their confidence and build their social networks. Without these opportunities, many people are left to navigate a complex world on their own without the support and guidance that these services provide.

A call for change

Youth service should not be a luxury. This should be as much a priority in the UK as it is in Poland. The government's investment in youth services is not just an investment in the present, it is an investment in the country's future. By supporting young people today, we can help them grow into confident, competent and engaged members of tomorrow's society.

The question we need to ask ourselves is simple. If we don’t prioritize youth services now, what kind of future are we creating for the next generation? Looking at Europe, especially countries like Poland, shows what is possible when youth services are fully funded and properly supported.

The UK must learn from these examples and reinvest in its young people to create a brighter future for all.

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