xOxfordshire County Council and its partners have been awarded a Local Youth Transformation Pilot grant of £634,347 by the central government in recognition of their commitment to youth services. Despite having no statutory obligation to provide targeted youth support, the council continues to invest significantly in programs that help young people build resilience, access opportunities, and thrive within their communities. The funding aims to help shape a sustainable model for youth services that could be adopted locally and nationally.
Councillor Sean Gaul, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, emphasized that youth work is a necessity, not a luxury. He highlighted the council’s dedication to providing targeted youth support for young people at risk of exploitation, youth violence, and social isolation, and welcomed the government’s recognition to further develop inclusive and futureproof support for diverse communities.
The grant will be distributed among local partners rather than being invested directly by the council, allowing projects across the county to benefit from the funding. Oxfordshire County Council runs a targeted youth support service (TYSS) for children and young people aged 11–18, extending to 25 for those with additional needs, which offers one-to-one support to help young people identify aspirations, build confidence, and strengthen community connections. Group programs in schools tackle issues such as exploitation, violence against women and girls, and risks linked to social media, while detached street-based youth work engages communities affected by crime and anti-social behavior.
A recent peer review of the youth service, involving the National Youth Agency, youth sector representatives, and trained young reviewers, confirmed that the service effectively meets the needs of young people. The review highlighted a person-centered, strength-based approach and quality detached youth work, with youth workers actively engaging with diverse and underrepresented groups.
Councillor Gaul noted that holistic support is achieved through collaboration with schools, community organizations, police, and health services, addressing broader challenges such as emotional wellbeing and school engagement. The council also works closely with the voluntary sector, acknowledging that local communities have the best understanding of their young people and play a key role in shaping effective, inclusive support.
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