Research reports

Care experience and family

Lifelong Rights Paper on Belonging and Connection

Who Cares? Scotland · 2024

This paper from Who Cares? Scotland examines belonging, connection and loneliness among care-experienced people aged 16 and over in Scotland. Drawing on an online survey of 24 care-experienced adults and advocacy data covering 147 relationship-related issues, the report finds that 75% of survey respondents struggle with loneliness and that almost half felt their experiences of belonging and connection in care had negatively impacted the rest of their lives. The paper calls for services addressing loneliness, trauma-informed training for carers, and a statutory right to lifelong advocacy in the Promise Bill.

SurveySecondary analysisScotland

Identity, belonging and community

The Power of Youth Work: A Longitudinal Biographical Study

YouthLink Scotland / No Knives Better Lives / University of Edinburgh CRFR / Dr Emma Davidson · 2024

This Scottish study explored how youth work impacts young people over time, using biographical interviews with adults who had engaged in youth work during their youth. Findings revealed that youth work provided crucial safe spaces, belonging, and trusted relationships during complex and challenging life transitions. Youth workers helped young people navigate adversity — including mental health challenges, family breakdown, and poverty — and opened pathways to education and employment. The study concludes that sustained funding and long-term research are needed to capture and support the social and relational value of youth work.

InterviewLongitudinalScotland

Employment, skills and economic security

Youth Sector Workforce Survey Report 2024

National Youth Agency · 2024

This report by the National Youth Agency profiles the youth work workforce in England, drawing on nearly 1,000 survey responses and eight focus groups conducted in late 2023 and early 2024. It finds the workforce is ageing, predominantly white and female, with 59% having worked in the sector for over 10 years and only 6% for less than one year. The report highlights a critical shortage of qualified youth workers amid rising demand — particularly around mental health and wellbeing support — driven by funding cuts, low salaries, and barriers to gaining professional qualifications. It makes a series of recommendations to government for rebuilding the workforce through a national strategy, apprenticeship reform, and investment in research.

SurveyFocus groupEngland

Mental health and wellbeing

Generation Isolation 2024: OnSide's Annual Study into Young People's Lives Outside School

OnSide Youth Zones · 2024

This annual survey of 5,213 young people aged 11–18 in England finds that 76% spend most of their free time on screens, 51% report high or very high anxiety, and 44% report high or very high loneliness. Most young people spend their free time at home, often alone or communicating online rather than socialising in person. The report also explores young people's views on youth services, finding that 85% do not attend a youth centre, but 93% of those who do say it has made a positive difference to their lives. Key drivers of screen use include boredom, habit, and a lack of safe spaces to meet friends in real life.

SurveyEngland

Education, learning and attainment

Caring and Classes: The Education Gap for Young Carers

Carers Trust · 2024

Young carers in England face significantly worse educational outcomes than their peers, missing on average 23 school days compared to 14 for other pupils in 2022/23, with 46% of secondary school young carers persistently absent. Almost half (44%) frequently struggle to study due to caring responsibilities, and young adult carers are 37% less likely to achieve A*AA at A Level than peers without caring roles. The report finds identification and recording of young carers in schools remains poor, with 72% of schools recording zero young carers in the 2024 census. It calls for a Young Carers Pupil Premium, improved Ofsted scrutiny, and better financial support for young adult carers in post-16 education.

Co-producedSurveyInterviewEngland

Mental health and wellbeing

KCL Policy Institute: Youth mental health in crisis? Public and generational attitudes in the UK and Australia

The Policy Institute at King's · 2024

This report presents findings from parallel online surveys of adults in the UK and Australia, exploring public and generational attitudes towards youth mental health. It finds that large majorities in both countries believe young people's mental health is worse today than in the past, though nearly two-thirds are sceptical that this reflects genuinely worsening circumstances — attributing it instead to better identification of problems or lower resilience among today's youth. Social media is identified as the most widely cited driver of worsening youth mental health, and policies focused on direct support (more mental health services, anti-bullying measures) are preferred over structural interventions such as tackling racism or housing insecurity.

SurveyUK-wide

Care experience and family

Studying the Outcomes of Children's Social Care Provision for Different Types of Demand Full Report

National Children's Bureau (NCB) · 2024

This large-scale secondary analysis examined 3.6 million social work assessments recorded in England between 2014 and 2021 to identify twelve common categories of demand in children's social care (CSC). Using latent class analysis, the study profiled the types of risk and need assessed by social workers, the intervention pathways associated with each demand category, and how child characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, deprivation) shape those pathways. It found significant inequalities in provision — including a social gradient in intervention rates — and linked demand categories to intermediate outcomes (re-referrals, repeat child protection plans, re-entries to care) and longitudinal educational outcomes (KS2/KS4 attainment and school exclusions).

Young people consultedSecondary analysisMixed methodsEngland

Digital life and online safety

Childline Reach: Behind the Screen

NSPCC / Childline · 2024

This briefing draws on analysis of over 900 Childline counselling sessions in 2023/24 with children who experienced sextortion. It finds that 68% of sessions involved boys, with financially motivated sextortion being a key pattern, while girls were more commonly pressured into sending further nude images. The report highlights the scale and gendered nature of online sexual extortion affecting children and young people contacting Childline.

Secondary analysisUK-wide

Arts, culture and creativity

UK Arts, Culture and Young People: Innovative Practice and Trends

British Council / Tialt · 2024

This UK-wide research explores how arts and cultural organisations are responding to the needs of young people aged 11–24, drawing on a literature review, stakeholder interviews with national arts funders, a survey of organisations, a focus group, and nine in-depth case studies. Key issues identified include barriers to access, rising poor mental health, neurodiversity, global crises, declining creative education, and the need for stronger youth voice. The report finds that effective practice is characterised by co-creation, trust-based relationships, flexibility, place-based working, and putting young people's rights at the centre of programme design. Practitioners and funders call for long-term, iterative funding, more opportunities to share practice across the UK and internationally, and greater power handed to young people in shaping cultural provision.

SurveyInterviewUK-wide

Education, learning and attainment

Young Persons' Money Index 2022/23: examining the delivery of financial education in schools and the financial capability of young people in the UK

London Institute of Banking and Finance · 2023

This annual survey of over 2,000 UK secondary school pupils aged 15–18 tracks access to financial education in schools and young people's financial knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. The 2022/23 edition found that the proportion of students reporting access to financial education in school dropped significantly from 73% to 62%, while 82% said they want to learn more about money at school — up 10% on the previous year. Young people's financial knowledge remains patchy, with many unable to correctly answer basic questions about credit, debt and APR, and most relying on parents rather than schools for financial understanding. The cost-of-living crisis has increased financial anxiety, with 70% saying rising costs made them more worried about money.

SurveyUK-wide

Mental health and wellbeing

The maternal mental health experiences of young mums

Maternal Mental Health Alliance · 2023

This joint briefing explores the maternal mental health experiences of young mothers aged 16–25 across the UK, combining focus groups with 20 young mums and a rapid literature review. Young mums face significantly higher rates of perinatal mental illness, including postnatal depression and suicide risk, compounded by stigma, poverty, housing difficulties, and care experience. The report finds that young mums frequently feel judged and dismissed by statutory services, while dedicated voluntary sector services offering holistic, non-judgemental support produce much more positive outcomes. It calls for updated national frameworks, greater investment in universal and specialist perinatal mental health services, and co-production of support pathways with young mothers themselves.

Focus groupSecondary analysisUK-wide

Employment, skills and economic security

Leave No One Behind: North Paddington 18–25s employment support needs (action research, June 2023)

Young Westminster Foundation · 2023

This action research report explores the employment support needs of 18–25-year-olds living in North Paddington (Westminster), a high-deprivation area with above-average youth unemployment. The study found that young adults face a significant "personal network gap," widespread discrimination, low confidence, and a lack of accessible, tailored employment support. It recommends an integrated, community-based "no wrong door" employment partnership model that centres young people's voices in service design.

Co-producedSurveyInterviewLondon

Mental health and wellbeing

Generation Isolation: OnSide's annual study into young people's lives outside school (2023)

OnSide · 2023

This annual survey by OnSide explores how young people aged 11–18 in England spend their time outside school, finding that 80% spend most of their free time at home and 76% on screens. The report highlights the impact of the cost of living crisis, with 26% of young people having stopped out-of-school activities as a result. It also finds that 50% of young people report high or very high feelings of anxiety, and that only 9% attend a youth club — despite 89% of those who do saying it has made a positive difference to their lives. The findings are used to make the case for greater investment in youth centres and youth work.

SurveyEngland

Criminal justice and youth violence

Leading Research, Driving Change (Peer Action Collective)

Peer Action Collective / Youth Endowment Fund · 2023

The Peer Action Collective (PAC) trained 120 young people aged 16–25 as Peer Researchers to investigate youth violence across England and Wales, engaging over 4,600 participants. Key findings show that social media normalises violence, peer pressure is a major driver, and young people—particularly those who are Black, LGBTQ+, or female—experience violence unequally and receive less support. The report combines research findings with social action, as young people used their insights to develop campaigns, workshops, community events, and policy engagement to make their communities safer and fairer.

Co-producedInterviewFocus groupEnglandWales

Mental health and wellbeing

You're Helping Me Just by Listening: Peer Research with 150+ Young Adults on Mental Health Services

42nd Street · 2023

This report presents peer research findings from over 150 young adults about their experiences of mental health services. The research explores what young people value in mental health support, with listening and relational approaches emerging as key themes. Findings are likely to be relevant to practitioners commissioning or delivering mental health services for young adults. Full text could not be verified, so some metadata is estimated from the title alone.

Co-producedInterviewOther

Criminal justice and youth violence

Understanding Young People's Experiences of Violence in Lambeth: a Participatory Action Research Approach

High Trees Community Development Trust / Lambeth Peer Action Collective · 2023

This peer-led participatory action research project explored how the environments young people grow up in shape their experiences of violence in Lambeth, London. Drawing on 106 interviews and arts-based workshops with 231 young people, the report finds that violence is experienced as routine and inevitable by many, compounded by poor housing, discriminatory policing, underfunded youth services, and structural racism. The peer researchers and broader group of young people translated their findings into a 12-point manifesto calling for improved opportunities, safe housing, and an education system that works for all young people in Lambeth.

Co-producedInterviewParticipatoryLondon

Education, learning and attainment

Life in Scotland for LGBT Young People: Education Report 2023

LGBT Youth Scotland · 2023

This report is a deep-dive into the education findings from LGBT Youth Scotland's Life in Scotland for LGBT Young People 2022 survey, drawing on responses from 1,279 LGBTI young people aged 13–25 in Scotland. It finds that just 10% of participants rated the experience of school as 'Good', over 63% had experienced homophobic or biphobic bullying in school, and fewer than half felt supported as an LGBTI person in education. The report identifies five key themes — supportive staff, inclusive spaces, LGBTI-specific information, policies and guidance, and taking action — and makes targeted recommendations to schools, colleges, universities, and the Scottish Government to improve LGBTI inclusion.

SurveyMixed methodsScotland

Identity, belonging and community

Life in Scotland for LGBT Young People: Rural Report 2023

LGBT Youth Scotland · 2023

This report explores the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people living in rural and remote areas of Scotland, drawing on a nationwide survey of 1,279 LGBTQ+ young people aged 13–25. It finds that only 39% of rural-based participants consider their local area a good place for LGBTQ+ young people, compared to 59% of those in non-rural areas. Key themes include widespread homophobia, biphobia and transphobia; risks around coming out; isolation; and a lack of accessible LGBTQ+ services and communities in rural areas. The report makes recommendations to the Scottish Government, local authorities, Police Scotland, and service providers to invest in inclusive education, youth work, and community resources for LGBTQ+ young people in rural Scotland.

SurveySecondary analysisScotland

Health and physical wellbeing

1,000 Young Voices

StreetGames (with Platypus Research) · 2023

This report by Platypus Research on behalf of StreetGames segments young people aged 11–24 from lower-income households in Great Britain according to their attitudes, motivations, emotions and barriers relating to sport and physical activity. Seven distinct segments are identified, ranging from those held back by low confidence to enthusiastic competitors, with each profile described in detail to guide targeted interventions. Key findings include that one in three of these young people feel limited control over their lives, two in five have felt discriminated against in sporting contexts, and cost is the most commonly cited practical barrier — though psychological barriers such as anxiety and self-consciousness are especially significant for girls and neurodivergent young people. The segments are intended as a practical tool for StreetGames and partners to design more effective, targeted programmes to increase participation.

SurveyFocus groupUK-wide

Race, ethnicity and racial justice

See Us, Hear Us: On girlhood and growing up Black in Lambeth

Milk Honey Bees · 2023

This pilot study explored the experiences of 10 Black girls aged 12–18 living and/or attending school in the London Borough of Lambeth, examining how social, political and institutional environments affect their lives across community safety, schooling and mental health. The findings show that Black girls face pervasive racism, adultification and a near-total lack of safe spaces, leaving them feeling unprotected by both the police and school systems. The report calls for intersectional investment in youth services, anti-racist school strategies, and targeted mental health support that centres Black girls' specific needs.

Co-producedFocus groupInterviewLondon

Civic participation and youth voice

Young People in Scotland 2022: volunteering analysis

Volunteer Scotland · 2023

This report analyses volunteering participation among secondary school pupils in Scotland, drawing on a 2022 survey of 1,533 pupils aged 11–18. It finds a significant decline in both formal (down 12 percentage points to 37%) and informal (down 7 percentage points to 18%) volunteering since 2019, with COVID-19 and the cost of living crisis identified as likely drivers. Key findings include that older pupils (17–18) were more resilient to the decline, that gender parity in formal volunteering was reached for the first time, and that young people with long-term health conditions volunteered at higher rates than those without. The report recommends including volunteering in the school curriculum and adapting volunteer-involving organisations' practices to enable young people to volunteer with friends.

SurveySecondary analysisScotland

Health and physical wellbeing

Core Health: A Youth Voice Enquiry (CORE20PLUS5 Young People)

Peer Power Youth · 2023

This report by Peer Power Youth captures the healthcare experiences and views of 48 children and young people with lived experience of the youth justice system and secure settings in England. Key findings include significant barriers to accessing healthcare, health inequalities linked to identity (race, gender, neurodiversity), and a concept the participants named "forced resilience" — the emotional and psychological toll of being incarcerated with limited autonomy. Young people made concrete recommendations around improving healthcare access, trauma-informed staff practice, trusted relationships, and the clinical focus areas of the NHS Core20PLUS5 strategy for children and young people.

Co-producedSurveyFocus groupEngland

Criminal justice and youth violence

Children, violence and vulnerability 2023

Youth Endowment Fund · 2023

This is the second annual Youth Endowment Fund survey into teenage children's experiences of violence in England and Wales. Based on responses from over 7,500 13 to 17-year-olds, the report finds that 1 in 6 had been a victim of violence in the past 12 months and 1 in 7 had perpetrated violence, with experiences heavily concentrated among the most vulnerable children. Around 60% had seen real-world violence on social media — most commonly on TikTok — and 1 in 5 said they had skipped school due to feeling unsafe. The report also compares children's and adults' views on the drivers of and solutions to violence, finding broad agreement that gangs and drugs are the biggest factors.

Young people consultedSurveyInterviewEnglandWales

Employment, skills and economic security

Speaking from experience: Getting it right for Disabled apprentices

Disability Rights UK · 2023

This report explores the experiences of young Disabled people who are doing or have completed apprenticeships in England, drawing on members of the Disabled Apprentice Network (DAN) and wider stakeholder roundtables. It finds that while apprenticeships can be transformative for Disabled young people, significant barriers remain — including poor careers advice, inaccessible information, inadequate reasonable adjustments, and employer reluctance. The report makes practical recommendations for government, employers, training providers, and schools to improve access, support, and retention of Disabled apprentices.

Young people consultedInterviewFocus groupEngland

Results