Our Chief Executive @JamesBlakeYHA reports how we've extended access to young people from disadvantaged communities and refreshed our strategy to be clearer about the specific aspects of wellbeing we will improve: confidence, connection and belonging #OutdoorsForAll #LiveMoreYHA

We're delighted to be joined by Nisbah Hussain from the Muslim Youth Alliance, who gives an inspiring speech about the value of YHA in opening the opportunities and benefits of the outdoors to all. “It shows young people a version of themselves they may never have seen before.”

Today, YHA holds its Annual General Meeting. Our Chair Margaret Hart opens by welcoming our Company Members, introducing our 2024-25 achievements and our ongoing efforts to ensure YHA arrives at its centenary in 2030 and beyond relevant, financially sustainable and impactful.

Come and talk to @chesterzoo about their exciting Network for Nature project. Cafe open for refreshments & cakes. @YHAOfficial

Writer, journalist & walking expert @PeakMcCloy leads the Walks Programme for @YHAOfficial and is author of new Peak District short walks. Former Chair of the National Park, he brings deep insight into Britain’s great outdoors. #NatureWriting #PennineWay60 https://t.co/nyI4gGyp6v

We can’t afford to weaken National Park protections ⚠️ But there are rumours that some in Westminster want to remove the Protected Landscapes duty, the only real power to secure action for nature We can't let 30 years of campaigning go down the drain https://t.co/O3XJhPO6Xt

Thank you @YHAOfficial for a brilliant stay in Wales. @NST_forschools

Dear @Keir_Starmer: Act now to unlock access to nature for every young person. The benefits are proven — confidence, resilience, wellbeing. But access is privileged. We urge Government to guarantee outdoor learning residentials for all. Our letter: https://t.co/bJ4ycHAwwM

Our Devon Retreat is BACK!! 3 days of adventure, community & reflection. Find out more and book now: https://t.co/xzHOdnCYlP

Read the full statement:

As the National Youth Strategy takes shape, outdoor learning must be at its heart — not an afterthought. Every child deserves access to nature-rich residential experiences — not just the fortunate few. 🌱

“This government must learn from its Adventures Away from Home fund and its recently closed National Citizen Service and #GenerationGreen programmes that residentials in nature-rich settings, are cost-effective and impactful ways to build confidence, connection and belonging.”

Research shows that outdoor residentials build: Wellbeing✔️ Confidence✔️ Resilience✔️ Social development✔️ Especially for those from disadvantaged communities.

“But while new investment in youth services is encouraging, there is not yet enough earmarked for getting young people active outdoors.”

“This funding package is a welcome and timely recognition of the urgent need to re-connect young people with their communities and support their development outside the classroom."

The Government’s £88m investment in youth services is welcome — but it doesn’t go far enough to improve access to outdoor experiences that transform young people’s lives. 🌿 Chief Executlive @JamesBlakeYHA responds to today’s announcement: 🧵👇

"My God, how I love youth hostels." - us too! Read this to find out why they're such fun. https://t.co/vAsRxPqJoB

Have a listen to this great podcast episode about the joys of hostelling, in which Aaron, our manager at @YHABorrowdale talks all about life running a brilliant youth hostel in the Lake District🏞️🥾💚

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We welcome the decision to exempt children staying in hostels, campsites and outdoor centres in Wales from the proposed visitor levy. But we regret it being hiked for adults. Everyone needs to have access to adventure for the 1st time and a lifetime ⛺🏞️👣 https://t.co/zPCITjslWG