We are the national agency for youth work and the collective voice of the sector

We champion and advocate for the youth work sector so that all young people can access high-quality youth work. Our membership of voluntary and statutory youth work organisations and intermediaries, including every local authority, spans all of Scotland, and changes lives for the better every day.

Our vision

A Scotland where young people realise their full potential through youth work.

Our values

Our mission

YouthLink Scotland is the collective voice of youth work. We represent and advocate for the sector so that all young people can access high-quality youth work.

We strongly believe that a healthy and vibrant youth work sector can bring transformation, not only to the lives of young people but also to their families, communities and society as a whole. Youth work can prevent many negatives outcomes for young people and provide significant social return on investment.

We know youth work changes lives and we support the development of a practice model, outcomes and skills that are of high quality and evidence-based in order to realise this ambition.

We believe that youth work is for all young people and we support accessible, equitable and inclusive youth work, whether it be through universal or targeted provision.

We want youth work to be secure and on a par with formal education. In order to achieve this ambition we need a stronger statutory basis, a well developed workforce and a funding base that is secure in the short , medium and longer term.

We ensure that youth work is understood and influential. We will support the development of research and evidence that demonstrates the life changing impact of youth work.

Our strategic goal

All young people have access to high quality youth work.

Our outcomes

Our processes

YouthLink Scotland as the national agency for youth work and as intermediary for the sector, provides a range of services including networks, communications, policy, research, development, innovation, national programmes and funding.

We work in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders and partners committed to achieving the best outcomes for young people.