In August of this year the 2024 Good Childhood report was released, and the findings, though reflecting what we already know in the profession to be the case, were troubling.
According to the statistics, the UK has been named the unhappiest country in Europe for children. A quarter (25.3% to be exact) of those included in the study indicating ‘low life satisfaction’
41% of the families reported difficulties in affording holidays and extracurricular activities with some families struggling to find the finances to mark celebrations and special occasions.
It’s quite clear that the impact of poverty on a young persons ability to participate in activities, but it goes beyond this of course. Young people are impacted by not being able to eat, or of not being able to eat healthy nutritious food.
‘’Over 300,000 London households are on the waiting list for social housing.’’
This means that they are at staying with extended family, in temporary accommodation, or at the mercy of landlords in the private renters markets, impacting even further on the finances of families.
Young people are impacted by over crowded housing , for some this isn’t just sharing a bed room, its sharing a bed. It is not uncommon to have three children sharing a bedroom and parents sleeping in the living room. This lack of space and privacy has a detrimental effect on young people as they develop, impacting their ability to explore identity, values and beliefs.
‘’2/5 young people reported being worried about the cost of living crisis’’
Young people are not only impacted by the practical reality of this, but also the affect that worry and anxiety has on their mental health.
Despite this obvious decline in the mental health of young people, waiting lists for support on the NHS are incredibly long, parents ad guardians struggle to navigate the complex referral systems for their children, and all too frequently ‘support’ offered when the young person has reached crisis point
50% of children reported that a lack of money even prevented them from participating in activities like socialising with friends or going on school trips.
This is obviously a complex issue , that involves systems change.
We are eternally hopeful that the change in government, will see Labour reverse some effects of Conservative Austerity.
Read more on how Austerity effected young people here How 14 Years of Tory Rule Pushed UK Youth Into Poverty | TIME
14.3% of young people reported being dissatisfied with school, pointing to bullying and feeling like they don’t belong, as well as academic pressure.
Most Youth Clubs are free at the point of access and allow young people to take part in opportunities and activities with their peers, that they wouldn’t be able to without these spaces.
Youth Clubs support young people to be better connected and build a sense of community outside of their family homes. They give young people opportunities to take risks in safe environments supporting personal and social development.
Youth Workers are allys to young people, standing shoulder to shoulder with them.
When needed we’re also advocates. If we cant ‘solve’ it we’ll support it and navigate it together.
Mary’s Youth Club: Share, Grow, Learn, Enjoy
Help us be part of the solution by donating today
We open 50 weeks of the year.
85% of our activities are free of charge.
A contribution charge is never more then 25% of an activity cost.
Money is never a barrier to participation!
We provide food in all of our session and activities, including a warm meal on a Friday (this is our most popular day of the week)
We go on 5+ residentials a year including summer camp – Giving young people a much-needed holiday.
Young people have access to mentoring and/or therapeutic services via our projects.
With over 40 years in the borough, we are well connected to signpost and support Young people on taking their next steps.
We take holistic view, help to link families in with other agencies.
The full report is available here The Good Childhood Report | The Children’s Society (childrenssociety.org.uk)
Written by Sally Baxter
CEO and Youth Work Manager
