Our Cause
Established in 2021, the Somerset Youth Alliance is a collection of organisations working together to improve the lives of young people across the county. We share the same aim: to enhance the life chances of young people by providing them with opportunities to build resilience, engage in informal learning and ensure they remain safe, healthy and well-supported as they transition into adulthood.
Who are the Somerset Youth Alliance?
The Alliance is supported by a dedicated team, that helps strengthen the children and young people’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector in Somerset, ensuring that services are safe, accessible and of high quality.
Founding members of the Alliance are youth work organisations who saw the beneficial power of a youth work approach in young people’s lives. Initially, the Alliance was focused on the development of these youth work organisations, but as the work progressed, it became clear that collaboration with the wider children and young people’s sector would be key to achieving our vision: a county where children and young people have access to the services they need, when they need it.
By building strong links with other professionals, we can not only learn from one another, but we can also expand the reach and impact of youth work, extending the understanding of youth work principles, ensuring more young people benefit from the support and opportunities they deserve.
The Alliance, supported by Spark Somerset, has achieved amazing things with their partnership, setting up the training programme and focusing the minds of politicians on how we support their life-enhancing, life-changing, and sometimes life-saving work”
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Our Mission
To support the children and young people’s voluntary sector in Somerset to be safe, accessible and high quality.
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Our Vision
A county where children and young people have access to the services they need, when they need it.
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Our Purpose
Champion high-quality youth work in Somerset by supporting the sector, amplifying young people’s voices, and strengthening access to inclusive, impactful services for all young people.
Our People
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Melody Waterworth
Co-Lead
Melody Waterworth is Co-Lead of the Somerset Youth Alliance and leading the Insights Hub at Spark Somerset — two interconnected initiatives focused on amplifying youth voice, strengthening community wellbeing, and driving data-informed decision-making across the county.
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Lily Rossiter
Communications and Events Officer
Lily is our Communications and Events Officer, responsible for managing and designing our website, social media channels, and email communications, as well as supporting the planning and delivery of our events. She is particularly passionate about the VCFSE sector and is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on Somerset’s local communities. Lily will be working hard to connect with communities, amplify youth voices, and bring fresh ideas to our events.
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Louise Treacher
Co-Lead
Louise Treacher is Co-Lead of the Somerset Youth Alliance alongside delivering Funding and Enterprise support in the county for Spark Somerset and running her own business. Her focus is on helping organisations in the sector build financial sustainability, strengthen collaboration and demonstrate the vital value of their work.
The Somerset Youth Alliance was born out of necessity — and built through resilience, community action, and the unwavering commitment of those who care about young people.
In 2011, major cuts to Somerset’s youth service left many local organisations and communities scrambling to fill the gap. Over the years that followed, youth workers, volunteers, and grassroots groups stepped up to continue supporting young people in whatever ways they could — often with limited resources but limitless dedication.
What began as a handful of conversations in 2018 grew into a collective vision. Youth organisations across the county began to connect, collaborate, and imagine a better, more coordinated approach. By 2021, this vision became a reality with the formation of the Somerset Youth Alliance — a partnership grounded in shared values, peer support, and the belief that together, we can do more for young people.
This timeline captures the key moments of our journey so far — from early cuts and community takeovers to a thriving, growing Alliance that now supports training, advocacy, and a stronger voice for youth work across Somerset.
Timeline of Events
Somerset County Council
reduced its youth service budget by 50%, to £1.5 million
25% cut to the youth service budget
The running of 18 groups and 7 buildings were taken over by the community. Workforce reduced from 73 full time equivalents to 8 full time equivalents
Conversations Start
6 youth work organisations start conversations about working together
Invitation
An invitation to join a youth partnership goes out to the wider youth work sector
Pandemic
Pandemic starts – youth clubs shut; lots of young people go to online sessions. Once restrictions ease, young people could meet in ‘bubbles’ of no more than 15 young people.
Online Gathering
An online gathering of youth work providers starts, and they continue to meet regularly.
Conversations
14 organisations involved in conversations
Alliance Formed
An Alliance is formed and partnership agreement in place
Youth Workers Qualified
15 youth workers qualified in Level 2 and Level 3 youth work – the first in the county since 2011
The National Lottery Community Fund Bid
The National Lottery Community Fund bid is successful – provided funding for dedicated resource to develop and support the Alliance.
Steering Group
First elections for Steering Group members
Youth Workers
44 youth workers taught between April 2023 and March 2024
Membership Increases
Membership increases to 21
Allied Professionals Training
First Allied Professionals training course – Alliance members training PCSOs, community development workers and others working with young people in the community in youth work skills and what impact trauma may have on young people’s behaviour
Logo Competition
Logo competition launched for young people to design our new logo
Youth Workers
44 youth workers taught between April 2024 and Mar 2025
New Branding
Somerset Youth Alliance new branding launched across socials
