Amanda Naylor OBE, Chief Executive of Volunteering Matters said:

We’re proud to welcome yesterday’s announcement from Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, confirming over £2.4 million of funding to boost to amplify young voices and drive youth-led community action.

This isn’t just an investment in programmes. It’s an investment in systemic change. Through this funding, and in continued partnership with the brilliant team at UK Youth, Volunteering Matters can scale youth-led social action in towns and cities across the UK.

We believe that young people must be the architects of their own futures. When youth social action is inclusive and accessible, it becomes a powerful driver of fairness, connection and opportunity. Not just for individuals, but for entire communities.

Through our role in the #DeliverYou consultation, that is informing the National Youth Strategy, it’s clear that young people have a clear desire to reshape their environments and neighbourhoods. This announcement is another important step towards a society where every young person has the chance to lead, influence and make a difference, no matter their background.

We’re delighted to continue our work with government, the National Lottery and our partners to ensure young voices are not only heard, but amplified.