Huddersfield charity Fresh Futures is warning that thousands of young people risk becoming a “lost generation” unless greater investment is made in education, mental health and employment support services.
The charity’s intervention follows growing national concern about rising numbers of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Concern is growing over the difficulty for young people accessing jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities, alongside growing barriers linked to mental health, disability and social isolation.
Working with young people across Yorkshire through its education and youth support services, Fresh Futures – based at Brian Jackson House in Huddersfield town centre – says it sees first-hand the challenges behind the headlines, but also the potential that can be unlocked when young people receive the right support.
Mark Farmer, chief executive of Fresh Futures, said: “The stories highlighted this week should concern us all.
“We are seeing increasing numbers of young people facing barriers linked to mental health, neurodiversity, social isolation and a lack of opportunities.
“The risk is that we create a lost generation of talented young people whose potential goes unrealised. Young people are not short of ambition. What many are short of is opportunity.
“At Fresh Futures, we know that when young people are given the right environment and the right support, they thrive.
“We see that every day through our work with young people who have often struggled in traditional education settings or faced significant barriers to employment and training.”
The charity points to the success of its post-16 provision at Brian Jackson College, which was established to support young people and those at risk of becoming disengaged from education.
Through personalised support and smaller learning environments, young people are able to rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning and progress towards positive futures.
Fresh Futures also highlights the success of its Elevate programme, which helps tackle social isolation by creating opportunities for young people to build connections, develop confidence and strengthen their employability skills.
The charity has welcomed recent employer-led initiatives designed to improve access to work experience and employment opportunities for young people, but says more long-term action is needed.
Mr Farmer (above) added: “Every statistic represents a young person with talent, aspirations and potential.
“We need sustained investment in youth services, specialist education, mental health support and meaningful pathways into employment.
“If we are serious about tackling the NEET crisis, we need to create systems that work for all young people, particularly those facing additional challenges.
“The cost of doing nothing will be far greater than the cost of investing in their futures.”
