Findings from our YouGov survey
We joined hands with YouGov to hear straight from 1,355 UK adults aged 16–28 on what they need to thrive.
Young people call for big change
Our YouGov survey of over 1,300 young people aged 16–28 in the UK revealed there is reason to be hopeful. Young people are ready to lead the way and tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges but they can’t do it alone.
The results paint a picture of a generation that is eager, hopeful, and ready to lead, yet held back by systemic barriers. Young people call for resources, guidance, and opportunities to turn their vision of a better future into reality.
Here’s a snapshot of the findings:
of young people want more say in decisions shaping their future.
of young people in the survey had either actively taken steps to improve their community or wanted to but didn’t know where to start, in the previous 12 months.
of young people say that they need better access to mental health and emotional support
of young people feel that a lack of funding is one of the main barriers holding them back from trying to make a difference.
of young people are hopeful about their generation’s ability to address community issues with the right support.
feel they receive “not that much” or no support at all, highlighting a perceived gap in guidance, resources and understanding.
The state of support
- Only 31% of young people feel they receive the support they need to make a difference.
- 59% feel they receive “not that much” or no support at all, highlighting a perceived gap in guidance, resources and understanding.
The barriers they face
The top challenges young people face when trying to make a difference include:
- Lack of funding: 59%
- Not knowing where to start: 59%
- Lack of confidence: 52%
- Lack of motivation: 48%
- Limited access to decision-makers: 34%
Yet there is hope
Because with the right support, young people believe there is hope for a better future:
- Despite barriers, 60% of young people are very or somewhat hopeful about their generation’s ability to address community issues.
- With only 30% reporting they are not very or not at all hopeful.
What do they say they need to thrive?
They reported that they need better mental health support, a say in the decisions that shape their future, a fairer education system, and stronger community connections. It is clear from our research that they are ready to step up and tackle the challenges they face, but they need guidance, resources, and opportunities to do so.
- 55% say that they need better access to mental health and emotional support:
- 54% want more say in decisions shaping their future
- 50% want to see an end to the one size fits all education system
- And 52% looking for stronger community support and trusted relationships
In the past 12 months 47% of those asked had either actively taken steps to improve their community or wanted to but didn’t know where to start. This shows that with the right support young people are ready to step forward and tackle the challenges they face.
- 21% actively took steps to improve their community or make a positive difference.
- 26% wanted to take action but didn’t know where to start.
- 20% did not take any action.
- 9% tried but were not successful
- 8% were unable to act for other reasons.
Our findings highlight the fact that young people in the UK are keen to tackle the challenges in their communities but they face significant barriers. These include a lack of resources, guidance, and the right systems around them. Despite this, the majority remain hopeful that with the right support and opportunities they would create meaningful change.
Hear from our CEO
"These findings show that young people want to be part of the solution. What I find deeply encouraging is that despite the challenges to getting support and a seat at the table, so many young people remain optimistic and are up for taking action in their communities."
- Essie North, CEO, Big Change