Over 45% of young people in Newcastle feel anxious about their future
Research from the King’s Trust found that having a job makes young people feel confident about their future
The King’s Trust TK Maxx Youth Index 2025 found over two fifths (45 per cent) of young people in Newcastle feel anxious about their future on a daily basis.
Being financially secure (58%), having their own family (40%) and owning their own home (37%) were the biggest goals in life for 16 to 25-year-olds in Newcastle, but over a third of 16-25-year-olds in this region do not think they will ever have enough money to own their own home (37%). One in five do not think they will earn enough to raise their own family (19%) or be financially stable (18%). Almost two fifths (39%) do not think they will be as successful as their parents or guardians.
The Youth Index is an annual research report from The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust) based on a YouGov survey of 4,285 16 to 25-year-olds across the UK, gauging young people’s confidence and happiness across a range of areas, from their physical and mental health to money and working life.
Over three quarters (80%) said having a job makes them feel confident about their future and gives them the financial stability they need, but 39% of 16 to 25-year-olds in Newcastle said they are worried about losing their job and not being able to find work. Over half (54%) are concerned they lack the skills, experience or qualifications to pursue the career they want, and over two fifths (43%) said there are no good job opportunities in their local area. Two thirds (66%) are concerned these factors will stop them getting a job that is secure in the future economy.
Over two fifths (42%) said that worrying about reaching their life goals had made their mental health worse.
Ciara, 22, from Newcastle was out of work and education for a year before coming to The King’s Trust. She said: “I was out of work for a year which was tough. I tried applying for all sorts of jobs but often didn’t get any feedback or response. Being dyslexic, I found written applications particularly tricky and was disappointed to never have had the chance to prove myself in an interview.
“I kept myself busy with volunteering, but countless hours of job searching was stressful and it impacted my wellbeing. It was frustrating to constantly be putting myself out there but not being given an opportunity.”
Ciara came across The King’s Trust programme Get Started with NHS Business Services Authority at a jobs fair. She said: “The week-long course was really great. We finished the week with being supported to write job applications. I found this particularly useful as this is something I’ve never been taught before. Once I heard I got an interview I was over the moon. When I got the job, I was even happier. I felt such relief to finally get a job after months of searching.
“I absolutely love my role as a Customer Contact Advisor and I’m really grateful to the NHS and The King’s Trust for giving me a chance and supporting me along the way. The programme boosted my confidence massively and I feel more positive about the future. I finally feel that I have stability in my life!”
Lynsey McCabe, Head of Delivery for the North East, 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 the North East, 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.”
Jo Murphy, European CR and Sustainability Director, TK MAXX, said: "We are incredibly proud to sponsor the Youth Index for the first time, as it aligns perfectly with our shared vision of empowering young people to achieve their potential. Our long-term partnership with The King’s Trust has transformed the lives of over 8,000 young individuals, across a range of programmes and initiatives, providing them with the confidence, skills, work experience, and job opportunities they need to overcome adversity and thrive.
“This year’s Youth Index sheds light on the immense pressures young people are facing today, from the lasting impacts of the cost of living crisis to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. By supporting this research, we aim to support the Trust in the quest to make a significant difference, enabling young people to navigate these challenging times with resilience and hope. We have witnessed firsthand the incredible potential of young people when they receive the right support. The majority of those who have participated in our programmes with The King’s Trust have flourished in their careers, including over 1,500 within our own business. Their drive, resilience, and determination inspire us, reinforcing our commitment to giving every young person—regardless of their background—the chance to build a brighter future."
The report overall finds that it is young people who are out of work, education or training (NEET) who have the lowest overall wellbeing, with NEET young people having the lowest happiness and confidence in their future compared to any other group. In the UK today, almost a million young people are NEET, a figure which has been steadily increasing for over two years.
Lynsey McCabe said: “Despite these challenges, young people remain determined to succeed. They have the ambition and potential, and we must ensure they have the right support, skills, and opportunities to take control of their futures.
“It’s crucial that we work together as a society to help young people access the training and jobs they need, which will not only transform their lives, but support and benefit the local communities they live in and help drive the local economy.”
Over three quarters (78%) of young people in Newcastle said they feel determined to achieve their goals in life. Young people the region reported that help securing work experience opportunities (57%), help with CV writing and interview skills (48%), developing their confidence (48%), training opportunities with employers which could lead to a job (46%), and improving their qualifications (37%) would be helpful for moving into work or taking the next steps in their career.
The King’s Trust, formerly The Prince’s Trust, helps tens of thousands of young people each year to access the opportunities and build the confidence and skills they need to move into work. Last year, 73,000 young people benefitted from Trust programmes, with three in four moving into work, education or training.