New strategy: supporting more young people over the next five years.
We have launched our new organisational strategy for 2026-2031, setting out a clear and confident direction for how we will support children and young people over the next five years.
At a time when demand is rising and support options are under increasing pressure, our new strategy reflects both the challenges young people face and the opportunity to respond with stronger, more focused services.
Responding to growing need
Across our communities, young people are facing increasing complexity in their daily lives — from mental health pressures to reduced access to support.
At the same time, young people continue to show resilience, strength and determination in navigating these challenges.
Our new strategy recognises both realities. It sets out how we will continue to grow and adapt to ensure more young people can access the support they need, while building on the strengths they already have.
Emily Brock, CEO of YMCA DownsLink Group, said:
This strategy is our commitment to children and young people – a promise to work alongside them, listen with humility and act with courage. We know the pressures they are facing are growing, but we also see their strength and potential every day. Our focus over the next five years is to reach more young people, deepen our impact and ensure they have more opportunities to influence decisions that matter.
A clear focus for the next five years
The strategy is built around four key priorities:
- Reach – Supporting more young people who need us
- Impact – Deepening the difference we make
- Voice – Ensuring young people help shape what we do
- Potential – Strengthening our organisation to sustain and grow our work
Together, these priorities provide a clear framework for how we will expand our reach, strengthen outcomes and build a more sustainable organisation.
What we want children and young people to achieve:
Looking ahead from strong foundations
Our new strategy builds on the progress and impact of the last five years. During that time, we strengthened our services, developed our partnerships and supported thousands of young people across our communities.
This next phase is about going further – increasing our impact, working with partners, and ensuring young people remain at the centre of everything we do.
This strategy sets out an ambitious and achievable path for YMCA DownsLink Group.
It reflects both our confidence as an organisation and our commitment to supporting young people at a time when they need services like ours more than ever.
👉 Download the Strategy 2026–31: Expanding reach, deepening impact (PDF)
