Youth4Youth Unveils Ambitious 3-Year Strategy to Reach Over 213,000 Young People Across the UK

Youth4Youth, formerly known as Teenage Helpline, has announced an ambitious 3-year strategy, which can be found on our website, aimed at expanding its peer-led support services and making a lasting impact on the lives of over 213,000 young people across the UK. The new strategy reinforces the charity's mission to provide safe spaces for young people to access support and resources, empowering them to develop into confident, resilient adults.

The rebranding [associated press release] from Teenage Helpline to Youth4Youth reflects the charity's evolution while staying true to its founding principles. The change in name, look and feel signals a renewed focus on accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation, ensuring that every young person aged up to 25 has access to peer-led support when and where they need it most.

A Bold Vision for the Next Three Years

The new strategy is centred on Youth4Youth's Theory of Change which outlines how the charity's inputs, activities, and outputs drive positive outcomes for young people. Its mission is clear: to make sure that all young people have a safe space to reach out for support from their peers about anything that may be troubling them, especially those that struggle to speak with adults or professionals.

To achieve this, the strategy outlines six key objectives:

1. Expand Outreach and Engagement
2. Enhance Technology
3. Broaden Service Offerings
4. Foster Collaboration
5. Strengthen Finances
6. Build a Diverse Workforce

A Mission Rooted in Empathy and Impact

Founded in 2011 by CEO Josh Towers, Youth4Youth began as a response to the struggles Josh faced as a young teenager coming to terms with his sexuality and mental health. After experiencing the power of support himself, he recognised a gap in the availability of empathetic, peer-led services for young people.

“When I started this charity at the age of 14, it was with one simple goal: to ensure no young person feels they have nowhere to turn,” Josh explained. “This mission remains at the heart of what we do today. With our new name and strategy, we aim to reach even more young people and give them the tools and confidence to thrive.”

Delivering Measurable Impact

Youth4Youth's focus is not only on expanding reach but also on delivering measurable impact. By 2028, the charity aims to reach 213,450 people through its peer-led support services, online self-help resources, and community-based initiatives.

To achieve these goals, Youth4Youth will focus on building a strong organisational foundation. Key enablers of success include embedding a positive culture aligned with the charity's values, enhancing expertise through partnerships, and securing critical resources to operate sustainably for the long term.

Josh added: “Our unique, peer-led approach ensures that young people are at the heart of everything we do. Over the next three years, we will scale up our operations and strengthen our capabilities to ensure we reach the right people at the right time.”

More About Youth4Youth

Youth4Youth is a charity built for young people, by young people. The organisation's peer-led model ensures that the support provided is relatable, accessible, and impactful. By fostering early engagement and conversation, Youth4Youth aims to prevent issues from escalating to a crisis point.

Through its rebrand and new strategy, the charity remains committed to empowering young people to take control of their journeys and realise their full potential. Visit y4y.org.uk to learn more about Youth4Youth's services and its vision for the future.

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact Gemma Thomas, Marketing and Communication Director for Youth4Youth: [email protected]