Over a third of grassroots youth music projects in the UK could close or are actively considering closure, as demand for youth music provision continues to far outstrip available funding, according to new data from Youth Music, the UK’s leading young people’s music charity.

The findings come as Youth Music today announces it has raised £1 million through its Rescue the Rootscampaign, with this total being matched by the charity to take overall investment in grassroots music projects to £2 million. However, the charity warns the figure falls far short of what is needed to sustain the sector.

New polling of Youth Music-funded partners reveals a growing crisis in grassroots youth music projects:
37% are considering closure due to financial pressure
Over two-thirds report significant unmet demand
Waiting lists now total an estimated 33,500 young people
Nearly 40% expect their financial situation to worsen within a year

At the same time, the data highlights the essential role grassroots youth music projects play in supporting young people’s wellbeing, with 85% of providers reporting a significant positive impact on mental health, confidence and life opportunities.

Compared to 2025, waiting lists have risen sharply from 54% to over two-thirds (67%), showing increasing demand on already stretched grassroots services.

Over a third of grassroots youth music projects are at risk of closing. That is a shocking indictment of how underfunded this sector has become. Music is not just a ‘nice to have’, it is a lifeline for young people, offering safety, community and opportunity at a time when many are struggling with their wellbeing and sense of belonging.

We’ve seen incredible support through Rescue the Roots, and reaching £1 million is a significant milestone. But demand is still overwhelming supply, and thousands of young people are missing out on vital support every single day.

The Rescue the Roots campaign has brought together major industry partners, including

Spotify, Apple, Wingstop, Sony Music, Beatport and PPL, plus artists including Sam Fender, Jorja Smith, Bicep and Bastille, in a shared effort to protect grassroots music infrastructure. However, Youth Music says continued collaboration and investment is urgently needed if projects are to survive.

“There is significant money in the wider music industry, but too little of it reaches the grassroots spaces where music supports young people's mental health, confidence and sense of belonging.” Carol Reid added.

“With sustained support, we can stop more projects from closing, reduce waiting lists, and ensure that young people aren't locked out of these transformative spaces.”

Drumworks, a Youth Music-funded partner that uses drumming to inspire creativity, build confidence and empower young people, said: “Young people consistently tell us that our projects help to relieve stress. They report feeling extremely anxious and under pressure at school and with homework, and that our sessions are a welcome break from this. They also tell us that they have made new friends and mixed with people that they wouldn't have done otherwise including across year-groups, which helps with confidence and the ability to talk to and relate to other people”.

A growing proportion of the young people accessing our activities are experiencing poor emotional and mental health. Pastoral work and additional support has become a core, standard requirement, rather than the exception. Without the funding for our projects that provide this vital support, the programmes are at risk, and we genuinely worry about the wellbeing of these young people.

Youth Music is calling on industry leaders, funders and policymakers to back the next phase of Rescue the Roots and help secure the future of grassroots music across the UK. The campaign offers various opportunities for music businesses, artists and fans to get involved. Donate now to safeguard the future of UK music.

Youth Music is a national charity funded thanks to the National Lottery via Arts Council England, players of the Postcode Lottery and support from partners, fundraisers and donors.