New body to be established to support youth work in Wales
The initiative, announced during Youth Work Week, aims to support innovation, collaboration, and ensure the sector's long-term sustainability.
There are currently more than 900 organisations involved in delivering youth work across Wales.
Cabinet secretary for education and MS for Torfaen Lynne Neagle said: "Given the breadth and diversity of youth work provision across Wales, I'm delighted to announce plans to create a new central body for youth work in Wales, to unify the sector, support collaboration and amplify its impact on young people.
"This exciting new organisation will make sure that the many talented young people, youth workers, and organisations in the youth work sector in Wales have the structure, leadership, and advocacy they need to thrive."
Youth work offers inclusive opportunities for young people aged 11 to 25, encouraging them to have a say in decisions that affect them.
Among the many projects delivering tailored services, Peer Action Collective Cymru (PACC), winners of a Youth Work Excellence Wales Award in 2023, provides a platform for underrepresented young people.
Salman, 17, said: "Being a part of PACC has made me realise that my voice is powerful and that it has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of others."
Nominations for this year's Youth Work Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding youth work contributions across Wales, opened on June 27.
The Welsh Government will provide over £12.9 million in funding to local authorities and voluntary organisations for 2025-26.
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