Nearly Half of Young People Feel Unprepared for Adult Life
New research from OnSide‘s latest Generation Isolation report paints a worrying picture of life for young people today. Nearly half of young people say they do not feel prepared for adulthood, while increasing numbers spend much of their free time online without feeling more connected, confident or optimistic about the future.
The findings raise important questions about how we support young people as they navigate the transition into adult life. From managing money and building relationships to developing confidence and resilience, many young people feel they are expected to grow up without being shown how.
At Wigan Youth Zone, these findings reinforce what staff, volunteers and young people see every day. Young people need safe spaces, trusted adults and opportunities to develop the practical skills and confidence that help them thrive.
The Real Impact of Youth Work
OnSide’s research shows that young people who attend youth clubs are more likely to feel prepared for adulthood than those who do not. They are more likely to make friends, learn new skills, gain confidence and spend less time online.
Perhaps most importantly, 91% of young people who attend youth clubs say their youth club has made a positive difference to their lives.
Youth work provides far more than activities. It gives young people access to supportive adults, opportunities to try new experiences and the chance to build independence in a safe environment. These experiences help young people develop the confidence and life skills they need for the future.
Building Confidence, Skills and Connections in Wigan
Every week, Wigan Youth Zone provides opportunities for young people to get involved in sports, arts, employability programmes, mentoring, volunteering and social activities.
These experiences help young people build meaningful friendships, discover their strengths and develop practical skills that cannot be learned through a screen alone.
As concerns around isolation and readiness for adulthood continue to grow, youth organisations have an increasingly important role to play in creating places where young people feel valued, supported and inspired.
OnSide's Generation Isolation Report highlights a concerning trend: almost half of young people do not feel prepared for adulthood. At the same time, many are spending increasing amounts of time online, without necessarily feeling happier or more connected as a result.
As a society, we need to reflect on what this tells us. Too many young people are growing up without enough opportunities to build confidence, resilience, independence and real-world relationships. While technology has transformed the way we connect, it cannot replace the value of face-to-face experiences, trusted adults and strong communities.
The good news is that we know what works. An incredible 91% of young people who attend youth clubs say it has made a positive difference to their lives. Places like Wigan Youth Zone provide young people with opportunities to develop skills, form friendships, discover new passions and gain the confidence they need to thrive.
Young people are not just our future, they are our present. We all have a responsibility to ensure they have hope, purpose and opportunity, and at Wigan Youth Zone we will continue to do everything we can to break the cycle of isolation and help every young person reach their full potential.
Young People Are Calling for More Support
The Generation Isolation report, based on a survey of 3,944 young people aged 11 to 18 across England, highlights growing concerns about how prepared young people feel for adult life. Many say they worry about deciding what they want to do in the future, managing money and navigating the responsibilities that come with growing up.
The research also reveals that young people are clear about what would help them succeed. They want more opportunities to learn practical life skills, gain real-world experience and build confidence outside the classroom. The report highlights the importance of trusted adults and safe spaces where young people can try new things, develop independence and feel connected to their communities.
That’s where youth organisations like Wigan Youth Zone make a difference. Through a wide range of activities, mentoring opportunities and youth work support, young people can develop the skills, confidence and resilience they need to navigate adult life successfully.
Get Involved and Help Tackle Generation Isolation
The findings in the Generation Isolation report make one thing clear: young people need more opportunities to connect, develop skills and build confidence for the future. While the challenges are significant, the solutions are already making a difference through organisations like Wigan Youth Zone.
If you believe every young person deserves access to the support, experiences and opportunities they need to thrive, there are many ways to get involved. Whether you’re an individual, local business or community organisation, your support can help us reach more young people across Wigan and continue breaking the cycle of isolation.
You can read the full Generation Isolation report at www.onsideyouthzones.org/generationisolation and learn more about the issues facing young people today.
To discuss fundraising, sponsorship, corporate partnerships or other ways you can support Wigan Youth Zone, please contact a member of our Fundraising Team. Together, we can ensure more young people have access to the opportunities, trusted adults and positive experiences that help them build brighter futures.