We must help the young overcome the poverty of hope hanging over their generation
First published in The Telegraph on 8th July
We are living in uncertain and unpredictable times. While Brexit has been the focus of heated conversations across the UK for the last three years, children and young people feel that their hopes and fears are not being listened to.
This is deeply concerning, as ultimately it will be their generation who will be responsible for helping to shape modern Britain as we head towards the 22nd century.
Barnardo’s new report ‘Overcoming the Poverty of Hope’ provides compelling insight into what young people, including those supported by Barnardo’s UK-wide services, think and feel about Britain today.
For those who want to get a better understanding of their thoughts and experiences and give them a voice, this report is essential reading.
It’s concerning that two thirds (67 per cent) of young people polled believe their generation will be worse off than their parents, and 63 percent said the Government cares more about older generations.
While 85 per cent were optimistic that their physical health and life expectancy will be better than their parents, 69 per cent fear they will have worse mental health.
While what we learned is worrying, it is also unsurprising. We have long warned society is walking into a mental health crisis, with one in eight children having a mental health condition. There are also more than 4 million children growing up in poverty in the UK; and we’re witnessing a spike in serious youth violence claiming too many young lives.
Although many young people are hopeful and ambitious for their own futures, too often their views reflect a wider ‘poverty of hope’ about the future of their generation.
Concerns range from Britain leaving the EU, low job prospects, from expensive university fees to long waiting times for specialist mental health support, from a lack of youth services to a rise in crime.
More than half of the young people surveyed (54 per cent) said climate change was one of the most important issue facing the country over the next three to five years, with 42 per cent saying older generations don’t seem to understand or be interested in this issue. As one young Barnardo’s service user told us: ‘It doesn’t matter what the politics are gonna be if we have no future.’
Other young people talked about a lack of investment in their communities and too few safe spaces like youth centres for young people to go to.
Often, due to a combination of these factors, young people also reported seeing a rise in crime in their local areas and anti-social behaviour which suggested a growing disrespect for, or disconnect from, their communities.
Many of the young people Barnardo’s supports are also facing significant challenges in their own life, whether they are homeless, are in the care system, or struggle to access education and employment once they have turned 16.
As a society we cannot let this continue. These are not issues that can be put off until Brexit is solved. These concerns are very real and very relevant to young people’s lives — here and now. They need to be addressed today, in partnership with young people.
We must help young people overcome the poverty of hope that is hanging over their generation. To do that, we have to believe in them, nurture their talents, tackle inequality, provide opportunities, knock down barriers, and listen to them when it comes to decisions that affect their futures.
