Welcome to the JUNE 2026 YLC Newsletter!

Celebrating Volunteers' Week 2026

This Volunteers' Week, we celebrate and thank the incredible volunteers who make such a positive difference across our communities every day.

Volunteers are at the heart of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, giving their time, skills and experience to support children, young people, families and communities. Their dedication helps organisations deliver vital services, create opportunities, reduce isolation and strengthen community connections.

We would like to recognise and thank all volunteers for the valuable contribution they make. Thank you for everything you do.

We hope this newsletter helps you to feel connected and informed. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any information, events, training etc that you would like us to share through the newsletter by emailing info@ylc.org.uk. Please encourage colleagues and partners who may find it useful to sign up to the e-bulletin - CLICK HERE 

Check out Play Grow Belong, a website full of VCSE organisations that provide local activities across the Wakefield District, in one place. Verified, free and searchable by age, area and day. Calling all VCSE organisations that provide activities for families to register for free!

An online resource designed for children and young people (ages 8-19) in the Wakefield District. It aims to provide information, advice, and self-help tips to support mental health and well-being 

CLICK HERE

Highlight Info

Postcards from Wakefield - Check our the latest Postcards from Wakefield – 8th year. This is for everyone in Wakefield to take part in and comes under the banner of Wakefield PMHN (Positive Mental Health Network). Stock can be picked up from Spectrum CIC HQ 1 Navigation Walk, Hebble Wharf, Wakefield WF1 5RH, any time Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. CLICK HERE

Vico Homes - Free support and guidance to help you take control of your finances: Cash Wise Support

DWP Young people and work: interim report - review of the increase in the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). CLICK HERE

16-23 Lads At The Back - Peer Research Project 

The Youth Association are looking at young men’s experiences of education and why young men are more likely to disengage. The aim of this research is to help affiliated schools and colleges change their policies to better support young men in education. 
See below, two short anonymous questionnaires, one for young men 16-23 around their experiences of education, and one for professionals working with young men. 

Young People: Young men aged 16–23 (especially in Wakefield and Leeds, but open to young men in West Yorkshire)- CLICK HERE 

Professionals: Professionals of any gender who work with young men - CLICK HERE 

TYA are also running a small number of focus groups alongside the questionnaires. If you (or someone in your organisation) would like to hear more or get involved, please contact the Youth Association - info@youth-association.org / 01924 333 400

Young People's Voice 

The Big Future - Children's Commissioner - Seeking young peoples voice - CLICK HERE

Call for evidence - Government Mental Health Strategy - CLICK HERE 

TLG's Labour Market Participation 'Accelerator' Survey - Calling yp 16-30 who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) - CLICK HERE to read more 

Vacancies

The Youth Association - Youth Workers and/or Youth Support Workers with an opportunity to undertake L3 JNC-recognised youth work qualification or above if not already obtained - CLICK HERE CLOSING DATE: 18th June 

Touchstone - Part Time Community Support Team, Senior Worker - CLICK HERE - CLOSING DATE: 19th June