Young people offered a passport to a brighter future

A new strategy designed to help young people navigate their journey towards a brighter future was officially launched this week.

Young people gathered at St Raphael’s Family Wellbeing Centre to celebrate the launch of the Brent Youth Strategy 2025 – 2028, a travel-themed strategy designed to empower 11 to 18-year-olds, or up to 25 for those with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND). Developed by Brent Council in collaboration with young people, the strategy is packed with opportunities to help teenagers, regardless of background, lead healthy, fulfilling, and purpose-driven lives.

George Main Sin and Manel Bensada, Brent Youth Parliament members, said: “This is a strategy made for young people, by young people, with our fingerprints embedded firmly across it.”

Cllr Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, said: “The Brent Youth Strategy is dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for young people. We want to equip them with the tools they need to navigate life’s many transitions and ensure they know where to seek advice and support along the way. Working alongside our partners, including the voluntary and community sectors, we are committed to building strong and lasting relationships that will make this vision a reality.”

The 2025 – 2028 Strategy sets goals across four key areas: youth engagement and participation, skills, opportunities and activities, safety, and health and wellbeing. It is Brent’s second Youth Strategy, following the success of the 2021-2023 edition, which was created in response to a recommendation by the Independent Brent Poverty Commission to develop a comprehensive “Youth and Community Strategy for Young People” in the borough.

Young people across Brent are encouraged to explore their passport to a brighter future online unlocking opportunities and shaping their own pathways to success.