Half of young people feel that there are not enough projects in their area aimed at providing support and opportunities for them and more than half have changed their expectations for the future, with a third becoming less ambitious – according to new research.
Almost two-thirds often about the future, but only 11% said they had a youth worker or counselor to turn to. Over the past 18 months, the country’s largest private sector youth employer, McDonald’s, has expanded its partnership with BBC Children in Need, bringing with it Kick it Out and Youth Music to build Makin’ it, a program which empowers young people in the areas in which they live.
The pilots have provided access to welcoming and safe spaces for 16-24 year olds and positive relationships through contacts with youth workers and youth projects.
The expansion of the initiative will see all 1,450 McDonald’s restaurants linked to youth services and the funding of 500 new youth work qualifications, to help unlock the potential of young people in every community. McDonald’s will also divert an unused portion of its apprenticeship levy to support more youth workers to complete their youth training in England.
McDonald’s is committed to providing resources and funding to enable all young people to access genuine opportunities where they live, including music partnerships and sports programs to be launched this summer.
McDonald’s UK & Ireland Vice President Impact Andrew Moys said: “It’s no secret that young people today face incredibly challenging times, particularly when it comes to accessing reliable adult support and opportunities. Over the past 18 months, we’ve seen first-hand the difference which can be done by connecting our restaurants directly with youth services and youth workers. Young people, who often have nowhere to go and no one to talk to, can now get the support they need, in an environment they feel comfortable in. The extent of our restaurant property and involvement of our 200 franchisees in communities across the UK and Ireland, means we have the ability to make a real impact on young people’s lives. ‘Makin It’ is about frontline change – it’s youth work embedded in the specific local area, it’s access to warm , welcoming spaces that young people know and ultimately provide tangible, local opportunities that help young people cope. ”
Simon Antrobus, CEO of BBC Children in Need said: “The power and impact a positive relationship can have on a young person’s life cannot be underestimated. Our research into youth work shows the deep and long-lasting impact it has on children and young people when it comes to being supported and opportunities As this recent survey has shown, too many young people feel worried about their future, and unfortunately lack support, which is why our partnership with McDonald’s on this program is so important, so that young people can meet a youth worker at a familiar place within their community, where they feel both safe and welcome and ultimately can work together to achieve their goals and do so.
To find out more about Makin’ it visit: https://mc-ds.uk/makinit