Fears about the future have become part of daily life for more than 1 in 3 (36%) young people across the UK, according to new research* from Co-op and Barnardo’s.
Over 2,000 people aged 10-25 were asked about their hopes and ambitions.* Just 30% said they believe they will achieve their dream job, while more than a quarter (29%) don’t feel positive about their future at all.
Brodey, 19, from Middlesborough, described how easy it is to lose hope:
“People don’t want to better themselves, because they think it’s impossible, or that it won't last. If you don’t have anything, nobody can take it away from you.”
The findings also highlight the ongoing mental health challenges facing young people, with 45% of those surveyed saying they’ve experienced issues such as anxiety, stress, anger, panic attacks, loneliness or depression in the past six months – a rise from 41% just two years ago.
Ola, 20, a university student in London, said:
“It feels like there are fewer opportunities and greater competition,” said Ola. “In school, college, uni – the workload and expectations are immense, and you feel like you’ll miss something if you take a break.”
Scarlet, 16, from Plymouth, is a student who helps care for her younger siblings and disabled parents. She regularly attends cooking classes run through the Co-op and Barnardo’s partnership.
Scarlet said: “I bring the food home for my family, and it’s one less thing to worry about that day.”
Like Scarlet, almost half (46%) listed the rising cost of living as their biggest concern for the future. In response to these growing pressures, Co-op and Barnardo’s have announced an extension to their national partnership – aiming to raise £7 million and support 1 million young people through services that promote mental wellbeing, improve access to food, and open up opportunities for a more positive future.
For 41-year-old Katie, a mum-of-two from Telford whose children attend a Co-op and Barnardo’s service called ‘CALM’, the weekly sessions provide a “safe environment off the streets” for her 11-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son.
“You know you have to let them grow up,” said Katie. “But in today’s world that can be a frightening thing. At CALM they get that bit of independence that all kids need, but I get the security of knowing they're safe.”
Lynn Perry, Chief Executive of Barnardo’s, said: “Since our partnership with Co-op began, we've seen young people's lives genuinely change for the better thanks to our services. As these heartbreaking findings reveal, too many young people are feeling anxious, unsupported, and ultimately left behind – but thanks to the extension of our partnership with Co-op, we can continue working directly with young people to build more positive futures.”
Dave Luckin, Head of Community Partnerships, Funding & Impact at Co-op, said: “At Co-op, we believe that young people’s voices must be at the heart of shaping the future. Thanks to the incredible commitment of our members, colleagues and customers, we’ve already raised £5 million to so far help nearly 600,000 young people. By extending our partnership with Barnardo’s, we’re now aiming to raise £7 million to support positive futures for 1 million young people across the UK.”
Scarlet, who is now at college and hopes to become a Formula One engineer, said: “The services that this partnership runs give young people a break from everyday life. You meet new people, learn new things, and you feel like you matter to the people who run it.”
“Being part of the Plymouth service has given me the confidence to believe in myself and go after my dreams,” she added. “I was so buzzing when I heard it would continue – I really don't know where I’d be without it.”
*The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 2001. The data was collected between 10.03.2023 – 17.03.2023. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Opinion Matters is also a member of the British Polling Council.