In October 2025, they brought their community together for a very special celebration at the Pentahotel in Reading.

They were honoured to welcome local dignitaries including their Patron, the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Mr Andrew Try Esq, the High Sheriff of Berkshire, Sean Taylor DL, local Mayors and MPs, alongside community members, partners and the incredible young people we support.

They were also delighted to be joined by Leigh Middleton CBE, CEO of the National Youth Agency.

Hosted by their brilliant young comperes, the evening was full of energy, pride and celebration, shining a spotlight on the achievements, resilience and potential of young people across Berkshire.

Huge congratulations to all their worthy winners.

They are incredibly grateful to our sponsors who made the evening possible: Xtrac, Reading Buses, Fidelity Energy, BMA, SNG, Arena Group, 1-Fix, and a special thank you to AP&C for their outstanding support with event production, displays and planning expertise.

Outcomes in their 85th Year

• 55,000+ attendances across all clubs and sessions
• 19,150+ weekly sessions delivered across Berkshire
• 10,500+ attendances at Waterside Centre alone
• 4,500+ hot meals provided at their youth clubs
• 4,000+ young people supported

Thousands of volunteer hours by young leaders and supporters

Reaching Young People Across Berkshire 

Our youth work continues to grow, supporting young people in towns, villages and communities right across Berkshire.

Core Centres & Clubs:

• Waterside Centre, Newbury
• Greenham Community Centre, Newbury
• The Wayz, Bracknell
• Britwell Youth & Community Project, Slough
• Wokingham Young Carers

Wider Impact:

• Berkshire Youth has supported two new youth clubs opening in Woodley and Earley working with local parish councils to help communities establish their own youth services.

Their partnership with Tilehurst Parish Council has continued, supporting young people through weekly term-time sessions in Calcot.

They also deliver football sessions and detached youth work in the area, connecting with young people, building trusted relationships and providing consistent support within the community.

This year, our 85-year journey was formally recognised in a very special way.

In March, Berkshire Youth was honoured to attend a presentation at Windsor Castle, hosted by the High Sheriff of Berkshire. During the visit, our CEO Sarah Emery and Chair of the Board, Sarah Atkinson, were presented with an award recognising 85 years of dedicated service to young people and the wider community.

The moment was made even more meaningful with the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire and their Patron, who joined in celebrating this milestone.

This recognition reflects the commitment, care and hard work of generations of staff, volunteers and supporters who have shaped Berkshire Youth over the past eight decades, and who continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people today.

As they look ahead, that same commitment drives them forward, ensuring every young person has the support, opportunities and confidence to thrive.

They were also proud to see their 85th anniversary recognised in Parliament.

Peter Swallow MP for Bracknell submitted an Early Day Motion to the House of Commons, formally acknowledging Berkshire Youth’s contribution and placing their work on the permanent record.

Early Day Motions are a way for MPs to highlight causes and organisations they believe deserve national recognition, and they are incredibly grateful to have their impact championed in this way.

It is a powerful reflection of the difference youth work continues to make across Berkshire.

Supporting Families in the School Holidays

As a Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) provider, they supported families eligible for free school meals by offering safe, engaging activities and food throughout the school holidays, helping reduce financial stress and holiday hardship for families across Berkshire.

Last year, they provided over 4,500 free meals to children and young people through their clubs.

Creating Opportunities & Memories

Alongside their term time and holiday provision, they delivered a wide range of enriching opportunities open to all young people who access any of the youth clubs in their network from aqua inflatables, trampolining, Ninja Warrior and ice skating to name few. 

They also ran a residential experience in the New Forest camping for two nights away from home.

Plus for their young carers, they provided trips to Marwell Zoo and Thorpe Park, plus a Christmas dinner at the local Toby Carvery.

For many young people, these are first-time experiences beyond their local area.

Moments like these help build confidence, independence and friendships that last far beyond the trip itself.

Last year saw the launch of The MIX at the Waterside Centre, a dedicated SEND youth club for young people aged 12–16 with moderate learning difficulties.

It has quickly become a lifeline for families, offering a safe, welcoming space where young people can be themselves and thrive.

However, it has also highlighted a wider gap in provision for those aged 16+.

Many young people with SEND are not yet ready for employment-focused programmes or adult services.

That is why at the start of 2026, they launched The MIX+, for the older SEND cohort aged 16-25 providing continued support, stability and a safe pathway into adulthood, ensuring no young person is left behind.

A fresh look for Berkshire Youth. 

In March 2025, they relaunched the Berkshire Youth website, creating a fresh, accessible and user-friendly platform for all: young people, families, partners and supporters.

It’s been designed to make it easier to explore our work and stay connected with everything happening across Berkshire.

 Visit their new website: www.berkshireyouth.co.uk