Half of young people in Northern Ireland feel anxious about future on a daily basis, finds survey
A young man who was once homeless is sharing a message of hope
Last updated 27th Feb 2025
A young man who was once homeless but now has a home and full-time employment is urging young people struggling to find work to seek support.
It comes as the King's Trust revealed the results of a new survey, showing almost half of young people in Northern Ireland feel anxious about their future every day.
They shared concerns around being financially secure, having their own family and affording their own home.
Dan Hitchcock who is now 20 found himself homeless aged 17.
He told us he had 'hit rock bottom' and felt very little hope for the future:
"My life was very much just dysfunction and displacement.
"Things hit a head when I hit the age of 17.
"I had nowhere else to go, I'd been moved around all my life at that point and I had no real sense of belonging or home.
"I can just remember the walls closing in on me."
Dan sought help from the King's Trust and completed the Youth Start programme, an eight week employability course.
He has since gained full-time employment, has a home and says he feels optimistic about his future.
Dan is urging other young people struggling to find work to seek help and support.
He has this message for his peers:
"Reach out to know that you're not alone, there are support networks out there.
"You don't have to face this alone, there is a path for everyone I genuinely believe that everyone has an opportunity and opportunity never spoils.
"If you have the drive and the push and the motivation to do it you can do it."
Mark Dougan, Director of Delivery for Northern Ireland at The King’s Trust said:
"The King’s Trust TK Maxx Youth Index research highlights the deep uncertainty many young people feel about their futures.
"In Northern Ireland, concerns about job security and career prospects are negatively impacting young people’s mental health and confidence in achieving their life goals.
"Too many young people fear they will never own a home or raise a family because they cannot access secure employment.
"It also finds that those not in work or education have the lowest overall wellbeing and confidence in their futures compared to any other group.
"Without urgent action, we risk a generation feeling locked out of accessing their potential and having stable and fulfilling lives."