Young people's happiness at "all time low" when it comes to money, education and work - Report

One in five young people in the UK have missed school or work in the past year due to their mental health, according to a new survey.

Nearly half (47%) of young people in Northamptonshire and the East Midlands are worried mental health will stop them achieving career goals

The Prince’s Trust NatWest Youth Index 2024, paints a bleak picture when it comes to the wellbeing of 16-25 year olds across the UK.

Greatest Hits Radio has seen the figures, which show:

• 40% of 16 to 25-year-olds have experienced a mental health problem.
• 21% report their mental health has got worse in the last year.
• Over half of young people say the cost-of-living crisis and pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental health,
• With over a third reporting that they always or often feel down or depressed (36 per cent).
• 18% reported a mental health issue has stopped them applying for a job during the last 12 months

"Wellbeing of young people remains low"

This year’s Youth Index shows the overall wellbeing of young people remains low, with happiness and confidence in mental health seeing the biggest decrease compared to other factors over the 15-year history of the research.

• 39% no longer feel in control of their future
• 26% feel they will fail in life
• This rises to 38% of those who are NEET (not in education, employment or training) or from poorer backgrounds

Happiness in work, education, qualifications and money are at all-time lows, while unemployed 16 – 25-year-olds consistently report the lowest overall wellbeing.

LISTEN: Hear more about the Prince's Trust Natwest Youth Index on the Mental Health Monday Podcast

More than a third (35 per cent) of young people are worried their mental health will stop them achieving their career ambitions. Two in five (41 per cent) say that worrying about achieving these goals has made their mental health worse.

Despite this, most young people still report that having a job is good for their mental health (62 per cent), enables them to feel confident about their future (68 per cent) and gives them a sense of purpose in life (65 per cent).

Warnings of a vicious cycle impacting mental health

Jonathan Townsend, UK Chief Executive of The Prince’s Trust said: “This year’s report shows that rising rates of poor mental health are significantly impacting young people’s education and early careers.

"This is leading to a vicious cycle where poor mental health is having a negative impact on young people’s work, yet being unemployed has a negative impact on their wellbeing – this is a deeply concerning trap.

“We must work together to address this trap, where poor mental health and employment struggles exacerbate each other, or risk it closing in on a generation. Urgent support is needed from partners, governments and employers, to help young people break this cycle.”

Impact of poor mental health on prospects

The research shows that poor mental health is having the greatest impact on the education and employment of unemployed young people and those from poorer backgrounds.

• One in ten unemployed young people have left work in the past 12 months due to a mental health issue, compared to 4 per cent of peers.
• Similar numbers from poorer backgrounds report leaving education in the last year for the same reason.
• Almost half of all young people worry about not having the right skills and qualifications to get a job in the future.

Jonathan Townsend said: “Despite the bleak findings, the research also presents a window of hope, as the overwhelming majority of young people tell us they remain determined to achieve their goals.

"What they require however is practical support and guidance to overcome the challenges they face, particularly as the world of work continues to rapidly change."

Over two thirds (68 per cent) of young people feel determined to achieve their goals in life.

A third (32 per cent) report help with securing work experience or training would help them achieve their career ambitions.

This is followed by over a quarter who would like help to build confidence, CV and interview skills, building skills for work (all 28 per cent) and improve their qualifications (27 per cent).

Get support for your mental health

If you're struggling with your mental health, you can speak to your GP.

You can text SHOUT to 85258

Or speak to Samaritans on 116123

To find mental health services where you are, visit the Hub of Hope

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