The cost of living crisis has had a negative impact on young people, across many aspects of their lives.
Many young people are facing food insecurity, which can have detrimental effects to young people’s physical and mental health. Increasingly, young people cannot afford a nutritious lunch during the school day.
State benefits do not cover the cost of essentials like food, which is particularly sensitive to price increases due to inflation. Everyone should be able to afford life’s essentials.
Support for students does not cover living costs, such as rent for student accommodation. This can prevent young people from continuing their education.
Lack of affordable transport prevents young people from accessing work, education and social activities.
Young people from marginalised communities are more likely to be impacted by the cost of living crisis.
Growing financial insecurity is worsening young people’s mental health. The provision of young people’s mental health support services is not sufficient.
Young people are not sufficiently included in the development of policies which affect them.
