Youth Clubs: Loss, Legacy and the Future, with Emma Warren

Since 2010, the number of council-run youth centres in Britain has more than halved, but at what cost? Drawing on her research into the history of youth clubs, author Emma Warren explores their cultural significance and their role in helping young people discover their identity, build connections and stay safe. With the government’s new National Youth Strategy, is this a fresh start or a false dawn?

Links & Resources

• Book: Up the Youth Club: Illuminating a Hidden History by Emma Warren 
• Book: Dance Your Way Home: A Journey Through the Dancefloor by Emma Warren 
• Research: Children, violence and vulnerability 2024 | Who has access to positive activities, youth clubs and trusted adults? 
• Research: Children, violence and vulnerability 2025 | Exploitation and Gangs 
• Research: Beyond the Headlines 2025 
• Policy paper: Youth Matters: Your National Youth Strategy 

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Host: Ciaran Thapar, Youth Endowment Fund 

Series Producer: Meera Kumar 

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