Charities confirm merger plan

Two leading charities have confirmed they intend to merge, creating the UK’s largest youth support agency.

YouthNet and Get Connected announced the proposed merger earlier this month and said the move would allow them to build a much improved service for 16 to 25-year-olds.

Last year, the organisations reached around 1.7million young people across the UK between them and by pooling resources, they hope to increase the figure to two million by 2018.

Chris Martin, YouthNet’s chief executive, has been lined up to lead the new organisation.

“Young people today face unprecedented challenges that have resulted in an epidemic of mental health issues,” he said

“By combining YouthNet’s digital reach and expertise with Get Connected’s excellent 121 telephone support service, we can offer young people a recognisable, safe and trusted place to turn whenever they need it.

“Demand from young people for support has never been greater and we believe that our new charity will help to fill the gap where statutory services have been withdrawn and smaller organisations for young people have shut down.”

The merger is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with a new charity brand unveiled to the public shortly afterwards.

If you would like advice on new registrations, charity structuring, mergers and commercial terms contact Deanna Hurst.