A national hub for young people's influence

Where the Centre came from

The Centre was originally established at YMCA George Williams College, building on the College's expertise in socio-emotional skill development and its work on the Framework of Outcomes for Young People. Following a period of consultation and development, the Centre moved to its new home with the Regional Youth Work Units, so that it is rooted in regional networks and directly connected to the realities of youth work across the country.

The Centre's development was shaped by wide consultation. The Project Discovery consultation engaged 64 young people and practitioners, highlighting the need for accessible and practical resources to strengthen youth participation; easier access to youth-led and longitudinal research on the impact of participation; inclusive storytelling that reflects both successes and challenges; and fairer, more visible opportunities for young people to connect, influence and lead.

Those findings led to a co-created action plan: a capacity hub of free resources, toolkits and training (now the Resource Library); a national repository of research and evidence (now Youthsource); more youth-friendly communications and networking; and stronger youth leadership in governance through young trustees and ambassadors.

The Centre is hosted by the Network of Regional Youth Work Units and supported by The National Lottery Community Fund. Its work builds on over 400 young people trained as peer researchers, peer evaluators, young commissioners and grant-makers over the past decade.