Research reports

Care experience and family

Adoption UK Adoption Barometer 2023

Adoption UK · 2023

The Adoption Barometer 2023 is the fifth annual UK-wide survey of adoption lived experience, drawing on over 16,700 unique survey responses from prospective adopters, adoptive parents, and adult adoptees. The report finds that while some areas have improved—such as increased direct birth family contact and positive outcomes from the Adoption Support Fund in England—most adoptive families still struggle to access timely, specialist support, and families with older children are twice as likely to be in crisis. Adult adoptees in particular feel abandoned by services, with very few able to access free, adoption-informed therapeutic support. The report makes wide-ranging recommendations for governments across all four UK nations to fund and reform adoption support throughout the lifespan.

Young people consultedSurveyUK-wide

Employment, skills and economic security

Breaking Barriers to Work: Exploring the Impact of the Benefits System on Young People Living in Supported Accommodation and Their Ability to Work

YMCA England & Wales · 2023

This report by YMCA England & Wales examines how the benefits system creates barriers to employment for young people living in YMCA supported accommodation. Key findings include that Housing Benefit tapering financially penalises residents who take up paid work, that benefit levels — especially for under-25s — are too low to cover basic essentials, and that benefit sanctions frequently push young people into food insecurity and worsen their mental health. The report makes seven policy recommendations, including introducing a Universal Credit work allowance for supported accommodation residents, an Essentials Guarantee for benefits, and relaxing the sanctions regime for this cohort.

Focus groupSurveyEnglandWales

Identity, belonging and community

Youth voices: life, work and study in Northern Ireland

Pivotal Public Policy Forum · 2023

This survey of 259 young people aged 14–25 in Northern Ireland explores their experiences of community, education, work and the future. Most respondents still feel the impact of the Troubles, with segregated housing and schooling remaining the norm; over 40% reported paramilitary influence in their area. Young people's top priorities included better careers advice, more mixed housing, greater job opportunities, and removal of paramilitary influence, while the high cost of living and poor mental health were seen as the biggest challenges ahead.

Co-producedSurveyNorthern Ireland

Criminal justice and youth violence

Surrey Youth Commission Report on Police and Crime

Leaders Unlocked / Surrey PCC · 2023

The Surrey Youth Commission (SYC), made up of young people aged 14–25, conducted peer-to-peer research with over 1,600 young people across Surrey to explore five priorities: substance misuse and exploitation, violence against women and girls, cybercrime, mental health, and relationships with the police. Key findings include that substance misuse is highly normalised, almost all young women had experienced some form of gender-based violence, cybercrime is widespread and severely under-reported, and many young people face significant barriers to mental health support. The report makes practical recommendations to Surrey Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and the SYC itself to improve services, awareness, and trust between young people and policing.

Co-producedSurveyInterviewSouth East

Mental health and wellbeing

Young people’s mental health in the workplace

Institute for Employment Studies (IES) · 2023

This report examines the mental health experiences of 2,000 young workers aged 16–25 across the four UK nations, focusing on workplace culture, disclosure practices, and support provision. It finds that nearly half of respondents had a mental health condition or challenge, yet over two-fifths did not disclose this to their employer — mainly due to discomfort or fear of consequences. Only around two-fifths felt their workplace had a supportive culture around mental health, and three in ten had left or planned to leave a job because of its impact on their mental health. Disadvantaged groups — including women, disabled young people, and those in low-paid or part-time roles — consistently reported worse experiences and less access to support.

SurveyUK-wide

Health and physical wellbeing

Gambling Commission Young People and Gambling Survey 2023

Gambling Commission · 2023

This annual survey by the Gambling Commission, conducted by Ipsos, explores gambling behaviours, attitudes and awareness among 11 to 17 year olds in Great Britain. Around a quarter of young people (26%) had spent their own money on gambling in the past year, with arcade gaming machines and informal bets among the most common activities. A small proportion were identified as problem gamblers (0.7%) or at-risk gamblers (1.5%). The report also examines exposure to gambling in the home and the emotional impact of gambling on young people.

SurveyUK-wide

Criminal justice and youth violence

Bolton Council Youth Serious Violent Crime Consultation Report

Bolton Council · 2023

Bolton Council ran a 6-week public consultation in summer 2023 to understand young people's perceptions and experiences of serious violent crime in Bolton. Over 760 young people participated, with the majority aged 10–16. The report found that 57% of respondents considered people carrying weapons a big problem, 42% felt serious violent crime was a big problem in the borough, and 42% of those who experienced or witnessed crime did not report it. Young people felt least safe in Bolton Town Centre and on public transport, and called primarily for increased police presence, greater investment in resources, and stronger enforcement.

SurveyMixed methodsNorth West

Civic participation and youth voice

Levelling up London Improving London to meet the aspirations, needs, and rights of young people

Partnership for Young London (Trust for London) · 2023

This report surveys 1,258 young Londoners aged 16–25 about their experiences of the cost of living crisis, their aspirations, and their political participation in the context of the UK government's Levelling Up agenda. Key findings include that housing and cost of living are the top concerns, that the vast majority feel there is a cost-of-living crisis, and that only one in four believe they will be able to afford to stay in London. The report also reveals that most young Londoners feel their voices are not heard by decision-makers, and that young people are largely absent from local election manifestos across London's boroughs.

Young people consultedSurveyFocus groupLondon

Employment, skills and economic security

youth voice census report

Youth Employment UK · 2023

The 2023 Youth Voice Census gathered responses from 4,276 young people aged 11–30 across England, supplemented by in-person qualitative interviews, to capture their experiences of education, employment, and community life. The report finds that young people feel increasingly disconnected, disenfranchised, and unprepared for the future, with worsening wellbeing, reduced access to work experience, and widening inequalities—particularly for those with protected characteristics such as care leavers, Black and mixed-heritage young people, and LGBTQ+ young people. Careers education in secondary schools showed improvement, and apprentices reported relatively positive experiences, but college, university, and NEET young people received less support. Young people are calling for investment in local opportunities, better transition support, and employers who meet their individual needs.

SurveyInterviewEngland

Criminal justice and youth violence

Care not criminalisation Young people’s experiences of serious youth violence

HMICFRS (User Voice) · 2023

This report presents the voices of 13 young people aged 18–24 who were in prison, young offender institutions, or on probation, exploring their experiences of serious youth violence, policing, safeguarding, and support services. The young people described widespread distrust of the police, rooted in experiences of manipulation, wrongful criminalisation, and being placed in danger. They felt that interventions and courses were tick-box exercises designed by people with no understanding of their lives, and called instead for care over criminalisation, lived-experience-led support, and removal of barriers to employment and rehabilitation. Nine of the 13 had been in care, and most described the care system as having failed them entirely.

InterviewUK-wide

Gender and sexuality

Positive Futures: How Supporting LGBT+ Young People Enables Them To Thrive In Adulthood

Just Like Us · 2023

This report, based on an online survey of 3,695 young adults aged 18–25 across the UK, examines the experiences and outcomes of LGBT+ young people compared with non-LGBT+ peers. It finds that LGBT+ young people face significantly worse mental health, higher rates of bullying, family estrangement, and workplace challenges. Crucially, the level of support received at school and at home during formative years is a decisive factor: those from supportive environments are twice as likely to be happy in adulthood and far more optimistic about their futures. The report makes recommendations for parents, school staff, and employers on how to better support LGBT+ young people.

SurveyUK-wide

Mental health and wellbeing

MH2K Derby and Derbyshire A Youth-led approach to exploring mental health

Leaders Unlocked · 2023

MH:2K Derby and Derbyshire is a youth-led mental health research project in which 25 young people aged 14–25 acted as 'Citizen Researchers', designing and delivering peer research with 734 young people across Derby and Derbyshire in 2022–23. The research focused on three pathways: eating disorders, digital services and social media, and health inequalities. Key findings show that young people from minoritised communities, LGBTQ+ backgrounds, and those with long-term health conditions face intersecting barriers to accessing mental health support, including stigma, lack of cultural competence, poor service awareness, and long waiting times. The report makes practical recommendations for commissioners and providers on improving equity, confidentiality, digital engagement, and service accessibility.

Youth-ledSurveyInterviewEast Midlands

Mental health and wellbeing

Youth participation in HeadStart: young people’s perspectives

National Lottery Community Fund (HeadStart) · 2023

This qualitative study explored the perspectives and experiences of 11 young people (aged 15–22) who were involved in co-creating and delivering mental health and wellbeing activities across the six HeadStart partnerships in England. Young people reported that participation improved their confidence, resilience, social-emotional skills and sense of agency, and that it helped create more youth-friendly mental health services. Key enablers of meaningful participation included strong, trusting relationships with staff, safe and inclusive spaces, and flexibility in how young people were involved. Young people were critical of tokenistic engagement from outside organisations and expressed sadness at the end of the funded programme.

Young people consultedInterviewEngland

Health and physical wellbeing

Streetgames 1000 Young Voices Youth Insights Summary Report

StreetGames · 2023

StreetGames commissioned Platypus Research to segment young people aged 11–24 from lower-income households by their attitudes and behaviours towards sport and physical activity. The study identified seven distinct segments ranging from highly enthusiastic participants to those who are actively disengaged, revealing that cost, lack of confidence, anxiety, and self-consciousness are the most significant barriers — particularly for girls and neurodivergent young people. Key findings include that two in five young people worry about their family's finances, one in three feel they have limited control over their lives, and around two in five have experienced discrimination when taking part in sport. The report provides actionable segmentation profiles to help StreetGames design targeted interventions to increase participation among under-served young people.

SurveyFocus groupUK-wide

Employment, skills and economic security

Cost of Living and University Students 2023

Sutton Trust · 2023

This report presents polling data from 1,050 UK university students on the financial impact of the cost of living crisis during the 2022–23 academic year. Key findings show that over 63% spent less on food and essentials, 27.8% skipped meals, and nearly a quarter reported being slightly or much less likely to finish their degree as a result. Many students sought additional financial support, with 44.6% turning to parents and 26.6% taking on a job or more hours at work.

SurveyUK-wide

Education, learning and attainment

Youth solutions: Improving education, training and employment in Northern Ireland

Pivotal Public Policy Forum · 2023

This report presents findings from 12 focus groups with 92 young people aged 14–25 in Northern Ireland, exploring their experiences of education, training and employment. Young people expressed widespread dissatisfaction with exam pressure, school environments, careers advice, and the lack of apprenticeship placements. Key barriers to employment identified included a lack of work experience, age discrimination, low wages, and limited job opportunities locally. Young people offered practical solutions including more integrated education, curriculum reform, increased apprenticeship support, and higher minimum wages.

Co-producedFocus groupSurveyNorthern Ireland

Mental health and wellbeing

Deconstructing the System: Young People's Voices on Mental Health, Society and Inequality (14,215 + 13,887 young people surveyed + insight groups with minoritised groups)

YoungMinds · 2023

This YoungMinds report synthesises findings from four datasets — including surveys of over 14,000 and nearly 14,000 young people respectively — to explore how social systems, mental health services, inequality, and global crises affect young people's mental health in the UK. Key findings include that 69% of young people feel negatively impacted by the Government, 70% by the media, and over half said their place of education harms their mental health. Minoritised groups — including Black, LGBTQ+, Muslim, disabled, and refugee young people — consistently experienced greater inequality, discrimination, and barriers to mental health support. The report calls for structural reform across education, mental health services, and public institutions, with young people as active partners in shaping change.

SurveyFocus groupUK-wide

Criminal justice and youth violence

Voices Mean Choices Discovery Research Evidence Report

Barnardo's · 2023

This discovery research report examines how child sexual and criminal exploitation is identified and responded to in East Riding of Yorkshire. It finds that awareness of exploitation is low across non-specialist services, families are often not listened to when they raise concerns, and children frequently wait years before receiving specialist support. The report identifies 12 recommendations for system change, covering earlier identification, faster referral pathways, trauma-informed practice, and more child-centred language and service delivery.

Young people consultedInterviewFocus groupYorkshire & the Humber

Employment, skills and economic security

Demos: The Employability Badge - Skills for Life, Work and a Stronger Society

Demos / Scouts · 2023

This report by Demos, supported by The Scout Association, investigates the role of extracurricular activities in addressing youth unemployment and a "double skills gap" in both technical and transferable skills among young people in the UK. Drawing on a nationally representative survey of 3,000 people, a poll of 500 employers, and qualitative interviews and focus groups with current Scouts, Scouts alumni, employers, and employment experts, the report finds that participation in extracurricular activities is strongly associated with better employment outcomes, greater career optimism, and improved preparedness for work. Scouts alumni in particular showed higher rates of career readiness and optimism than non-participants. The report also highlights significant inequalities in access to extracurricular activities by socioeconomic background, ethnicity, and gender, and sets out 13 recommendations for government, employers, schools, and extracurricular organisations to widen access and enhance the employability impact of these activities.

SurveyInterviewUK-wide

Care experience and family

Young Carer Survey 2023: Being a Young Carer is Not a Choice

Carers Trust · 2023

This UK-wide survey of 1,109 young carers and young adult carers aged 12–25 explores their experiences of education, paid work, finances, mental health, and social life. Key findings show that over half spend 20–49 hours per week caring, 44% feel stressed always or usually because of their caring role, and 40% rarely or never receive help in education to balance their responsibilities. The report calls on UK governments to publish a national carers strategy, improve mental health support, appoint Young Carers Leads in all educational institutions, and extend financial support including Carer's Allowance to those in full-time education.

Young people consultedSurveyUK-wide

Mental health and wellbeing

Girls Attitudes Survey 2023

Girlguiding · 2023

The 2023 Girls' Attitudes Survey tracks how girls' and young women's lives have changed over 15 years across topics including mental health, body image, safety, community, and aspirations. Key findings show girls' happiness has fallen to an all-time low since 2009, with anxiety and worry rising sharply; more girls are experiencing appearance pressures, online harms, and sexist behaviour. Some positives emerge, including greater community participation and more girls speaking out on issues they care about, but many feel let down by society and worried about their future opportunities.

Young people consultedSurveyInterviewUK-wide

Mental health and wellbeing

Our City, Our Future: Understanding the Needs of Young People in Westminster in 2023/24

Young Westminster Foundation / Rocket Science · 2023

This peer-led needs analysis explores the experiences of young people aged 13–25 living in the London Borough of Westminster in 2023, covering themes including cost of living, mental health, education and employment, crime and safety, physical health, and social media. Key findings include a sharp rise in perceived pressure to succeed educationally and in employment, growing concern about vaping and mental health among peers, and an increase in young people wanting to reduce their social media use. The report also includes practitioner and parent/carer perspectives, a wellbeing survey, and three deep-dives into employment in North Paddington, wellbeing, and serious youth violence.

Co-producedInterviewFocus groupLondon

Criminal justice and youth violence

MOPAC We are London Youth Survey

MOPAC (Mayor's Office for Policing And Crime) · 2023

This large-scale survey of nearly 12,000 young Londoners aged 11–16 explores their views on crime, safety, and policing in the capital. Key findings show that overall opinions of the police have declined since 2018, particularly among young females and young Black Londoners, with trust and perceptions of fairness especially low. The survey also reveals that hate crime is now the most commonly perceived local problem, victimisation rates remain around one in ten, and a small but vulnerable cohort of young people are exposed to multiple overlapping forms of violence, exploitation, and online harm. Experiences of sexual harassment remain prevalent, especially among girls and non-binary young people, while support-seeking levels remain low.

SurveyLondon

Civic participation and youth voice

Voices of the Future: Peer Research into Widening Access to Youth Services (Young Londoners Research Programme, 9 funded peer research groups)

Partnership for Young London · 2023

Nine groups of young Londoners aged 14–25 designed and led their own peer research projects exploring barriers to accessing youth services in their communities. Over 700 young people were consulted across surveys, interviews, focus groups, and creative workshops. Key barriers identified included safety concerns when travelling to youth spaces, poor awareness of available services, inadequate mental health support, and lack of culturally relevant provision. The report makes recommendations for funders, commissioners, and youth service providers across London to improve access for less-heard groups including care-experienced young people and those with autism or SEMH needs.

Youth-ledSurveyInterviewLondon

Results