This article is brought to you by Slough Borough Council, on behalf of Together As One, for the attention of all.
Together As One and Rocket Science (2026) Young Slough: A peer-led strategic needs assessment, that was released in April 2026 - https://togetherasone.org.uk/youngslough/
We are excited to announce the launch of the Young Slough report. This landmark document, released in April 2026, represents a massive milestone for our community. It is a peer-led strategic needs assessment that gives a direct, unfiltered voice to the generation currently growing up in one of the UK’s most youthful boroughs.
Download Young Slough: A Peer Led Needs Assessment here.
A Powerhouse of Local Insight
This project has been a collaboration between Together As One, Rocket Science, and a range of other enabling partners, including Slough Children First and Slough Borough Council. To get the most authentic data possible, the team recruited and trained 26 young Slough residents as peer researchers. These researchers conducted a total of 191 in-depth interviews with their peers, focusing on the real-world challenges of navigating life in our town.
What the Research Found
The report breaks down findings into several vital themes that impact daily life:
Creative and Fun Spaces: Young people identified a significant lack of leisure and creative outlets, especially following the closure of the local cinema.
Employment and “The Futures”: The research highlights a “skills-experience trap,” where entry-level jobs often require prior experience that young people haven’t had the chance to build yet.
Health and Wellbeing: Long waiting times for both physical and mental health services are major hurdles for local youth.
Community Safety: There are deep concerns regarding knife crime and feeling unsafe in public spaces, particularly at night.
Housing Quality: Participants raised serious issues about mould, leaks, and the general affordability of homes in both the public and private sectors.
Nine Calls to Action
This report is a powerful roadmap for change, concluding with nine specific recommendations. These include establishing a youth-led equalities strategy, creating a network of inclusive recreational spaces, and launching a centralised platform for employment and training opportunities. This is a fantastic opportunity for partners across the town to turn these insights into real action.
