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BECOME A MEMBER.

Young Merton has been created by and for the local VCSE sector, but we recognise that supporting children and young people requires a whole village.

 

Our completely free membership reflects the different roles organisations play in that village, strengthening opportunities for young people across Merton.

Join Our Village

STEWARD

Established local VCSE organisations with deep roots in Merton. Stewards provide the foundation, leadership, and stability of the local youth sector.

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To become a Steward, organisations must:

  • Either be registered in Merton or have at least a 3-year track record of delivering regular services for children and young people within the borough.

  • Meet Young Merton's quality standards.

  • Share and uphold our mission, vision, and values.

  • Demonstrate a commitment to the long-term development of the sector.

BUILDER

Local VCSE organisations in the earlier stages of development or growth. Builders represent the future capacity, innovation, and reach of the local youth sector.

 

To become a Builder, organisations must:

  • Either be registered in Merton or deliver regular services for children and young people within the borough.

  • Not yet meet the quality standard criteria for Steward membership, but are committed to working towards it with support from Young Merton.

  • Share and uphold our mission, vision, and values.

  • Demonstrate a commitment to the long-term development of the sector.

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Some benefits and opportunities may be tailored specifically to Builders or limited until Steward criteria are met.

ALLy

Organisations outside the local VCSE sector that support children and young people or contribute to the wider youth ecosystem.

 

This may include:

  • National or regional charities operating in Merton.

  • Public sector organisations, including local authority services, schools and colleges, health services, housing providers, and policing partners.

  • Private and for-profit companies that deliver services direct to children and young people.

 

Allies must:

 

Some benefits and opportunities may be tailored specifically to Allies or subject to different levels of access.

champion

Organisations or individuals that strengthen the impact of the local youth sector through investment, expertise, influence, or complementary services.

 

This may include:

  • Funders and grant-makers.

  • Businesses and corporate partners.

  • Professional service providers and strategic supporters.

 

Champions support Young Merton and its members through financial investment, in-kind support, specialist expertise, advocacy, or influence.

why choose
us?

By becoming a member of Young Merton, we're inviting you to join us as co-owners of a stronger local youth sector. 

Group Greeting Event
Team Collaboration Meeting

CONNECT WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE

Meet charities, schools, businesses, funders and public sector partners through networking events, communities of practice and collaborative projects.

STRENGTHEN YOUR ORGANISATION

Build confidence, capacity and capability through workshops, accredited training, peer learning and organisational health checks.

ACCESS INSIGHTS
& INTELLIGENCE

Stay informed with local data, policy updates, research, mapping, newsletters and intelligence to help you plan and demonstrate impact.

SAVE CAPACITY
& RESOURCES

Access practical templates, policies, toolkits, discounted services and shared resources designed to make running your organisation easier.

HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD

UNLOCK FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Access our grant programmes, funding alerts, collaborative bids, introductions to funders and practical fundraising support.

Help shape decisions affecting young people through representation, consultation opportunities, collective campaigning and strategic partnerships.

RAISE YOUR PROFILE

Promote your organisation through our member directory, social media, events, showcases, speaking opportunities and sector-wide campaigns.

BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER

Join a growing alliance committed to transforming opportunities for young people across Merton through collaboration, innovation and systems change.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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