A study commissioned by the Co-op Group and Barnado’s shows that fewer than half of young people feel a strong sense of belonging in the communities where they live.
The survey of 2,000 young people aged 10 to 25 across the UK found just over two in five (42%) feel they belong in their neighbourhood and local area, while one in five (20%) say they don’t feel they belong much or at all.
The findings also reveal a striking link between belonging and optimism about the future, says the Group. Eight in ten (81%) young people who felt they belonged a lot were positive about their future, compared with just a third (33%) of those who didn’t feel they belong at all.
Since the partnership with Barnado’s began in 2023, Co-op Group members have raised more than £7.5m and supported more than one million young people through services in local communities and online support.
The partnership is now being extended, with a new focus on supporting young people to feel a greater sense of belonging and build positive futures. The ambition is to raise £2m to support an additional 250,000 young people, responding to the issues young people themselves say matter in the places where they live.
Young people also identified significant financial and future pressures in their day-to-day lives. Almost two in five (38%) had worried about not having enough money for the things they wanted or needed, while more than a quarter (27%) had worried about not having enough good jobs or opportunities.
Young people also pointed to a lack of things to do in their communities, with over a third (34%) worried about being bored and three in ten (30%) concerned about a lack of activities and fun things to do.
Related: ‘Young people can shape the future of the co-op movement’
Asked what could make a difference, “more fun things to do” was the most popular response (39%), followed by “events bringing communities together” (26%). Nearly a quarter (24%) wanted support with jobs and job opportunities, while 23% wanted opportunities to learn new skills and build confidence. One in five specifically identified activities that help them feel like they belong.
“Every young person should feel that they belong and have the opportunity to build a positive future,” said Dave Luckin, head of social value and community engagement at the Group. “But our research shows that, for too many, that sense of connection to the places where they live simply isn’t there.
“What really stands out is the difference belonging can make. Young people who feel a strong sense of belonging are more than twice as likely to feel positive about their future.
“Through our partnership with Barnardo’s we’ve already helped support more than one million young people, but we want to go further. By bringing together the reach of Co-op in communities across the UK with Barnardo’s expertise supporting young people, we want to help more young people feel connected, supported and confident about their future. This has only been made possible, with thousands of Co-op colleagues fundraising, alongside member, customer and supplier donations too.”
Co-op Group colleagues, members and suppliers are taking part in fundraising activity throughout October, from guess the sweets in the jar through to bigger events, such as drum-a-thons and go-karting days.
“All young people deserve to have the opportunity to look forward to a bright future, no matter their background or circumstance,” said Barnado’s CEO Lynn Perry. “This research shows that an important part of that hopefulness is feeling connected to their community and having access to opportunities.
“As we enter the next phase of our partnership with Co-op, we’re committed to helping more young people access the opportunities, support and experiences that build confidence and connection.
“We want to say a big thank you to Co-op colleagues, members, suppliers and customers whose fundraising and donations make this work possible. Through this transformational partnership, their support is helping to change the lives of young people and strengthen communities across the UK. Together, we can help make sure more young people feel they belong and can look to the future with confidence.”
