Across Somerset, brilliant people are showing up every day for young people. From youth clubs and community spaces to schools and local projects, they’re building confidence, opening doors and making sure young people have the support they need to thrive.
But this work is even stronger when organisations come together.
The new Somerset Youth Alliance Impact Report 2023–26, When Youth Work Works, looks back at three years of growth, collaboration and change, and celebrates what can be achieved when Somerset’s youth sector works together.
Hosted by Spark Somerset and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, the Somerset Youth Alliance brings organisations together to strengthen youth provision, share knowledge and make sure young people’s voices are heard.
And over the past three years, the Alliance has gone from strength to strength.
From an initial 21 members in its first year, the Alliance has grown to 47 member organisations. Along the way, it has established a strong foundation for collaboration, created new opportunities for learning and helped build a more connected and confident youth sector.
The latest year has been particularly impactful, with 56 youth workers professionally trained, eight Peer Networks delivered and four events bringing organisations together to share ideas, tackle challenges and learn from one another.
The report also highlights the Alliance’s commitment to putting young people at the heart of its work. Through collaboration with Somerset Council’s Youth Participation team, training and a dedicated youth voice panel, young people are helping shape not just what happens, but how it happens.
There have also been some exciting collaborative projects. The HYPE (Hestercombe Young People Evolving) project, for example, has brought together five Alliance organisations and eight parish councils to create youth provision shaped around what young people in their communities actually want and need. With every parish council continuing or increasing its funding, it’s a great example of what can happen when local organisations work towards a shared goal.
The report also shares stories from organisations including Minehead Eye, Purple Elephant, Youth Unlimited and 2BU Somerset, showing the difference that connection, shared learning and practical support can make. From helping organisations grow in confidence to creating stronger pathways for young people, these stories bring the impact of the Alliance to life.
But the work doesn’t stop here.
As the Alliance moves into its fourth year and towards the end of its National Lottery funding, the focus is on building a lasting legacy. This means strengthening the connections, tools and shared approaches that will help Somerset’s youth sector continue to thrive.
Because young people deserve communities that show up for them. Organisations that work together, not just alongside each other. And a youth sector that is strong, connected and ready for the future.
We’re proud to have hosted the Somerset Youth Alliance and to have played a part in bringing organisations together to make this happen. A huge thank you to all our members, partners, youth workers and, most importantly, the young people who have helped shape the journey so far.
