YMCA Norfolk calls on politicians to listen to young  

YMCA manifesto 2017

YMCA Norfolk is calling on local political candidates to listen to the voices of young people who have been given a platform in this year’s General Election through a national YMCA manifesto


The Christian youth charity has given its backing to the national YMCA manifesto that lists more than 40 recommendations for the next government, all inspired by consultations with young people across the country

The recommendations cover a diverse range of subjects that matter to young people today, including access to housing, mental health support, apprenticeships and physical health and wellbeing

Tim Sweeting, Chief Executive of YMCA Norfolk, said: “Only 43% of young people voted in the last General Election and, as such, young people’s voices can be easily ignored by political candidates and decision makers

“We’re backing this manifesto because it puts young people back at the centre of political debate, ensuring that the issues that matter most to them are highlighted in the run up to June 8.

“Young people have the most to gain – and the most to lose – from the policies of any future government and that is why we’re calling on our local candidates to put YMCA’s recommendations front and centre of their policies in the coming years”

Every night YMCA Norfolk provides a safe home and support for over 260 vulnerable homeless young people across the county. It is part of a nationwide YMCA federation of 116 local charities that, combined, works across 740 communities and supports 630,000 people

Click here to download a copy of YMCA’s national manifesto

this article also appeared on Network Norfolk