Stats find 57% of young people in West Midlands feel anxious about their future
It's according to new research by the Kings Trust Youth Index
The King’s Trust TK Maxx Youth Index 2025 is released today and finds 57 per cent of young people in the West Midlands feel anxious about their future on a daily basis.
Being financially secure (62 per cent), having their own family (38 per cent) and owning their own home (35 per cent) were the biggest goals in life for 16-25-year-olds in the West Midlands, but almost a third (32 per cent) of 16-25-year-olds in the West Midlands do not think they will ever have enough money to own their own home, raise their own family (29 per cent) or be financially stable (23 per cent).
Almost a third (32 per cent) do not think they will be as successful as their parents or guardian.
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.
Three quarters (75 per cent) said having a job makes them feel confident about their future and gives them the financial stability they need (80 per cent), but 43 per cent of 16-25-year-olds in the West Midlands said they are worried about losing their job and not being able to find work.
Over half (52 per cent) said there are no good job opportunities in their local area and 55 per cent are concerned they lack the skills, experience or qualifications to pursue the career they want. Over half (63 per cent) are concerned these factors will stop them getting a job that is secure in the future economy.
Over a third (44 per cent) said that worrying about reaching their life goals had made their mental health worse.
Alex Khanyaghma, The King’s Trust – Head of Delivery, West Midlands said:
“The King’s Trust TK Maxx Youth Index research highlights the deep uncertainty many young people feel about their futures. In the West Midlands, 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.”
Rayo Premium