The Scottish Conservatives today launched their manifesto, including commitments to improve access to spaces for youth groups and develop a new National Youth Work Strategy. These proposals mirror key asks from the sector and point to increasing political recognition of youth work’s impact.
The Scottish Conservatives launched their new manifesto, ‘Get Scotland Working’, in Edinburgh this afternoon, with leader Russell Findlay opening with a joke that it was “the most exciting launch since the Artemis II spacecraft”.
Alongside its wider policy platform, the manifesto includes strong recognition of the role youth work plays in supporting young people and communities.
The inclusion of these commitments is another sign that support for youth work continues to build across the political spectrum.
The manifesto commits to:
These commitments reflect key priorities set out in A Right, A Space, A Future – particularly the call for fair access to spaces and a clear national plan for the sector.
Access to safe, local spaces is fundamental to youth work. These are the places where young people build relationships, grow in confidence, and develop the skills they need for life. Making public buildings more accessible to youth organisations is a practical change that can make a real difference in communities.
Backing for a new National Youth Work Strategy is also welcome. The sector has long called for a clearer, long-term direction. A well-developed strategy could help strengthen the workforce, support collaboration, and improve consistency of provision across the country.
There are also wider areas within the manifesto that align with the outcomes youth work delivers.
The manifesto sets out priorities around improving education, growing the economy, strengthening communities, and reducing pressure on public services.
Youth work contributes across all of these areas.
It supports young people to engage in learning and move into positive destinations. It helps build confidence and skills that underpin employability. It provides trusted relationships that can reduce involvement in youth justice. And it supports mental health and wellbeing, often before issues escalate.
In this context, youth work plays a preventative role, helping to address challenges early and reduce longer-term pressure on services.
While these commitments are welcome, there remains scope to build on them.
Delivering the full potential of youth work will require:
These priorities are set out in A Right, A Space, A Future and form the basis of a stronger, more sustainable youth work system.
Read the Scottish Conservative Manifesto.
Read A Right, A Space, A Future – Scotland’s Youth Work Sector Manifesto.