BBC Children in Need and McDonald’s UK are proud to announce the launch of Makin’ It – a nationwide initiative to better support young people and unlock genuine opportunity. Since partnering in 2021, BBC Children in Need and McDonald’s UK have supported more than 185 youth projects, employing more than 320 youth workers and improving outcomes for over 42,500 young people and Makin’ It sets out new ambitions in light of new research which highlights the impact of growing challenges and uncertainty young people are facing when it comes to the future, with some stark issues raised when it comes to support, career opportunities and safe places to go:

As part of the campaign, BBC Children in Need and McDonald’s UK have committed to the funding of 500 new youth work qualifications, in order to help unlock the potential of young people in every community. McDonald’s will also be diverting an unspent part of its Apprenticeship Levy to support more youth workers to undertake their youth work apprenticeship in England. Makin’ it has already made a meaningful impact to young people’s lives, with an 18-month pilot phase opening doors for young people in restaurants in towns across UK & Ireland. More than 70 restaurants were paired with local youth projects and youth workers, giving young people in these communities a safe place to seek support. These restaurants are now facilitating regular drop-in sessions, workshops, training and informal meetings for youth workers and young people.

Musician AJ Tracey, who got his start in a youth project, is one of the ambassadors for the initiative. AJ voices a hard-hitting spoken word film to launch Makin’ it, calling out the hardships many young people face and the pivotal role youth workers can play in their lives, through offering invaluable advice, guidance, and mentorship, as well as connecting them with opportunities in their local area.