Theory of Change
How we work to create a borough where every young person in Camden can thrive - by strengthening the voluntary sector that serves them.
Our Vision
A future where all young people in Camden can thrive
By strengthening those in the voluntary sector who serve children and young people, we enable the delivery of services that enrich the lives of all young Camdeners - irrespective of their background and circumstances.
Our Impact to Date
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A Camden That Offers Opportunity
Equal access to resources and chances for every young person, whatever their circumstances
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A Fairer Camden
More young people accessing opportunities irrespective of background or the challenges they face
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A Safer Camden
Safe places to be and trusted adults who support and listen - for every young person
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A Stronger Camden
Sustained financial and policy support for the youth sector delivering better childhoods
Evidence Base
Why supporting grassroots & community voluntary organisations works
The research case for investing in the youth voluntary sector
A growing body of UK government-commissioned and independent research demonstrates that investing in grassroots and community voluntary organisations produces measurable, lasting benefits for young people - and that infrastructure bodies like YCF are a vital multiplier of that impact.
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The largest government study on civil society infrastructure found that strong local infrastructure delivers four key benefits to frontline organisations
In 2025, DCMS / Ipsos, found that strong local infrastructure delivers four key benefits to frontline organisations - all of which YCF delivers to its members.
- Increased access to funding
- Greater cross-sector connections
- Increased confidence to engage decision-makers
- Better alignment between services and local need
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Youth activities produce lasting life outcomes
Young people who regularly participated in youth provision scored more highly in later life across multiple wellbeing indicators - including mental health, life satisfaction and employment compared with those who did not.
Short-term gains in confidence, belonging and pro-social behaviour are sustained into adulthood over decades.
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Community-based provision is uniquely effective
Voluntary sector services are consistently more accessible and less stigmatising for young people than statutory alternatives. Non-clinical, community-based hubs are especially effective in disadvantaged areas - particularly where young people can self-refer and be seen quickly without clinical barriers.
BMC Health Services Research, 2022 | BJPsych Open, Oxford, 2023
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Cuts to youth services cause measurable harm
Statistical analysis shows that just one year after reductions in local authority youth provision, areas see increased youth offending, weapon possession and reoffending rates. The National Youth Agency's 2025 Census shows demand for mental health support rising sharply against precarious voluntary sector finances.
DCMS / SQW Local Impact Study, 2024 | NYA Census, 2025
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The UK Government's 2025 National Youth Strategy committed over £60 million through a new Richer Young Lives Fund
The UK Government's 2025 National Youth Strategy committed over £60 million through a new Richer Young Lives Fund - explicitly targeting grassroots organisations in underserved areas, with young people designing and deciding how it is spent. Formal government recognition of the VCS as the primary delivery mechanism for youth outcomes.
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Nearly three-quarters of youth workers surveyed by the National Youth Agency had provided informal mentoring to young people at risk of violence or crime
Nearly three-quarters of youth workers surveyed by the National Youth Agency had provided informal mentoring to young people at risk of violence or crime - and 65% had de-escalated situations that could have led to violence. This depth of trusted relationship is unique to community-based voluntary organisations.
National Youth Agency Research & Reports, 2024
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London's local civil society infrastructure organisations leveraged over £24.6 million for the voluntary sector in a single year
London's local civil society infrastructure organisations leveraged over £24.6 million for the voluntary sector in a single year - averaging nearly £1M per London borough. This demonstrates the powerful financial multiplier effect of investing in infrastructure bodies like YCF: every pound spent on infrastructure unlocks significantly more for frontline delivery.
London Plus / Voluntary Sector Infrastructure Insights Hub, 2023
The youth sector has a crucial role to play in supporting young people... There is convincing evidence that youth activities produce beneficial personal, social, educational and economic impacts. These effects are not fleeting: research shows they are sustained over decades of participants' lives.”
How we Work
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YCF Infrastructure Support
Strengthens capacity, funding & connections of members
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Stronger Grassroots Orgs
Better resourced, more resilient, higher quality services
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More Young People Reached
Accessible, community based activities at scale
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Better Life Outcomes
Wellbeing, safety, education & economic benefits - sustained into adulthood
Our Guiding Principles
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Equity
Every young person deserves equal access to Camden's opportunities, regardless of background, circumstance or need.
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Collaboration
Cross-sector partnerships sit at the heart of everything we do - precious, time-consuming, and worth nurturing.
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Community
Hyper-local approaches rooted in Camden's diverse communities and the lived experience of young people and their families.
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Sustainability
Building long-term investment and resilience in the youth sector so it can serve Camden's young people for generations to come.
