Ministers have committed £10million to support The King's Trust's ambitious new youth opportunity programme, unveiled today at a high-profile summit held within the grounds of Buckingham Palace.
His Majesty attended the gathering alongside Sir Gareth Southgate, who serves as Goodwill Ambassador for the charity, and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.
The event brought together young people, business leaders and charitable organisations to mark the launch of the initiative.
Corporate and philanthropic partners will match the Government's contribution, bringing the total investment to £20million over four years.
The programme forms a central pillar of the Government's broader £500million National Youth Strategy, known as Youth Matters, which aims to transform prospects for England's young people.
The nationwide scheme is set to launch fully in 2027, establishing an extensive network of mentors and coaches across the country.
Research indicates that approximately one in five young people lack a trusted adult outside their family home to confide in.
The initiative seeks to address this gap by connecting young people with supportive figures who can guide them through pivotal moments in their lives.
Ministers have committed £10million to support The King's Trust's ambitious new youth opportunity programme
|PA
Participants will gain access to courses designed to build confidence and practical abilities for both personal development and employment.
Work experience placements and clear pathways into jobs form key components of the programme.
By intervening early, the scheme aims to reduce the number of young people falling into the category of not being in education, employment or training.
Lisa Nandy described the situation facing young people as "a national scandal and a source of shame", declaring "for so long, so many young people growing up in the UK have had nobody in the world to turn to".
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His Majesty the King attended the gathering alongside Sir Gareth Southgate, who serves as Goodwill Ambassador for the charity
| PAThe Culture Secretary pledged "Youth Matters will end the violent neglect of this generation and invest in their future".
She added: "Through this partnership with the Kings Trust and Gareth Southgate we will make sure every young person has someone they can turn to who is firmly in their corner."
Jonathan Townsend, UK Chief Executive of The King's Trust, emphasised the charity witnesses both remarkable potential and significant obstacles among Britain's youth.
"Too many are being held back simply because they don't have access to the opportunities, networks or support they need," he stated.
The Government's Youth Matters programme emerged from consultations with more than 14,000 young people and represents England's first cross-government youth strategy in fifteen years.
Additional funding includes £350million for constructing and renovating up to 250 youth facilities, alongside over £60million through the Richer Young Lives Fund targeting underserved communities.
Eight Young Futures Hubs are already operational in cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Bristol, with plans to establish 50 such centres across England by March 2029.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport also became the first central government department to sign the Power of Youth Charter today, joining more than 400 organisations, including NHS England and the Premier League, in committing to give young people genuine influence over decisions affecting their lives.
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