Our latest survey, conducted in February 2021 with over 1,000 16 to 19 year olds, reflects our commitment to having youth voice at the heart of all we do. 

We know the pandemic has been particularly tough on young people. But, we felt it timely - as we reach the one-year anniversary of COVID - to look forward. We wanted to hear from young people about their priorities as we come out of lockdown, and understand what they see as their role in rebuilding our nation to become the next greatest generation.

Find out what they had to say

Our CEO, Mark Gifford, shares his thoughts on the findings from our exclusive survey of 16-19 year olds. It’s clear young people see themselves playing a key role in supporting the nation’s recovery. Mark explains how NCS is helping them to do this.

Research shows that 74% of 16-25 year olds believe their generation can change their future for the better. 88% of young people care about making the world a better place. In the first of a series of new short reports, we set out how NCS is empowering young people to help the nation ‘build back better’ during the pandemic. Throughout 2020, NCS supported young people to deliver over 500,000 hours of social action and volunteering. We discuss how important this has been not only to supporting communities, but to improving young people’s own key skills, confidence and wellbeing.

Poor mental health among young people is a growing issue. Sixty percent of teens tell us they have been feeling more isolated and lonely than normal due to COVID-19, and almost two in five have been struggling to cope with everyday things. As we seek to help the nation build back better from the pandemic, young people’s mental health and wellbeing must be placed front and centre. In our latest report, we discuss how NCS has been supporting young people’s mental health over the past year, and our plans for the future as we start to emerge from lockdown.