Could youth clubs solve Britain's fairness problem? With Emma Warren Artwork

Short Changed

Short Changed is the Intergenerational Foundation's new podcast series, where we speak to some of the UK’s leading experts about the issues that matter most to younger and future generations.

Across the series, we explore the policy challenges shaping young people’s lives today and the prospects of future generations tomorrow, from housing and democracy to taxation, student finance, and inheritance.

Short Changed builds on our previous podcast series, WhatIF?, which put young people’s voices at the centre of the policy debate.

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Short Changed

Could youth clubs solve Britain's fairness problem? With Emma Warren

August 18, 2026 • The Intergenerational Foundation • Season 5 • Episode 6

0:00 | 34:17

The decimation of youth clubs during austerity was a betrayal of young people, according to Emma Warren, a cultural documentarian and author of a recent book tracing the history and significance of youth clubs.

At IF, we believe strongly in the importance of institutions that support young people in this country, and youth clubs are an often overlooked piece of that puzzle. Conor explores why they are more than just a ping pong table and a PlayStation, and what role they play in giving young people important opportunities in a society otherwise hostile to the young.

If you want to find out more about the work of the Intergenerational Foundation:

Take a look at our new-look website

Order Emma's book Up the Youth Club and find her on Instagram

The Intergenerational Foundation is a research charity fighting for a fairer deal for younger and future generations. As the leading authority on intergenerational fairness in the UK, we produce research that challenges the status quo, shapes public debate, and drives meaningful policy change. Our charity number is 1142230.