Last week, a major review into young people and work was published.
Led by Alan Milburn, the review looks at why increasing numbers of young people are struggling to access education, employment and training, and what needs to change to help them build positive futures.
Earlier this year, Inspire contributed evidence to the review, bringing together the experiences of young people across Suffolk alongside insights from the staff who support them every day.
Reading the final report, it was encouraging to see so many of those experiences reflected in the findings.
“I say I can’t and they hear ‘I won’t’.”
One young person told us this while contributing to the review.
It’s a simple sentence, but it captures something important.
When a young person misses an opportunity, drops out of a course or seems disengaged, it’s easy to make assumptions. What we don’t always see is what’s happening beneath the surface.
Young people told us about anxiety, confidence, mental health, money worries, transport challenges and feeling unsure about what comes next.
Another young person said:
“People need to understand I’m not being lazy, my anxiety just won’t let me move on.”
These aren’t stories about a lack of ambition.
They’re stories about barriers.
What young people told us
One thing came through clearly in the feedback we gathered.
Young people haven’t given up on their future.
They want jobs, opportunities and independence. They want to build lives they can be proud of. What many are asking for is support that helps them get there.
One young person told us:
“I don’t know what I’m meant to be doing. I’m being pulled in a thousand directions.”
Another said:
“Someone to guide me and explain things in a way I understand.”
Many weren’t asking for special treatment. They were asking for support, guidance and a chance to move forward at a pace that worked for them.
What makes a difference?
The review highlights something we see every day in our work.
Helping a young person into education, employment or training often starts long before a CV is written or an interview is attended.
For many young people, the first step is building confidence, improving wellbeing or simply having someone in their corner who believes in them.
When we gathered evidence for the review, young people and practitioners consistently highlighted the same things that help:
- Trusted relationships
- Consistent support
- Confidence building
- Clear guidance
- Opportunities to learn and gain experience
- The ability to progress at a manageable pace
One young person summed it up simply:
“Doing things at a steady pace.”
Progress doesn’t always happen in a straight line. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from having someone who listens, understands and helps a young person take the next step.
Why our approach starts before the CV
At Inspire, we know that supporting a young person into work often starts much earlier than people might think.
That’s why our work spans youth work, wellbeing services, free counselling, employability programmes and one-to-one coaching.
Different young people need different things, but the goal is always the same: helping them overcome barriers, build confidence and move forward towards the future they want.
Last year alone:
- 2,392 young people received support, advice and guidance
- 2,212 counselling sessions were delivered for young people aged 10–25
- 186 young people progressed into education, employment or training
- 511 positive outcomes were recorded
- 90% of young people reported improved wellbeing
- 94% improved their learning and aspirations
- 88% improved access to support networks
- 81% strengthened communication and relationships
- 54% improved employability skills
These outcomes reinforce something important. When we support the whole young person, not just the outcome, progress becomes possible.
A reflection from our CEO
Andy Crump has worked with young people for more than two decades, beginning his own journey with Inspire as an apprentice at 17.
Reflecting on the review, he said:
“I say I can’t and they hear ‘I won’t’ was one of the quotes that stayed with me after reading the review.
Over the years I’ve met countless young people who wanted to move forward, but felt stuck. Not because they lacked ambition, but because life had become complicated, overwhelming or difficult to navigate.
What I appreciated most about this review was its focus on listening to young people themselves. Too often conversations about young people happen without young people in the room.
This report is stronger because their voices run all the way through it.
I’m proud that young people from Suffolk helped shape that conversation and grateful to them for sharing their experiences so openly.”
What happens next?
Earlier this year, young people across Suffolk took the time to share their experiences, frustrations and hopes for the future. Those contributions helped inform a national conversation about young people and work.
That’s something worth recognising.
The challenge now is making sure those voices continue to be heard, not just in reviews and reports, but in the decisions that affect young people’s lives every day.
At Inspire, we’ll continue to listen, support and stand alongside young people as they navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Because every young person deserves the chance to move forward with confidence and build a future they can believe in.
Further reading
Young People and Work: Interim Report (Department for Work and Pensions)
The Guardian: What’s in the first part of Alan Milburn’s NEET report?
ITV News: Milburn warns of a ‘lost generation’ trapped by welfare and job shortages
NHS Employers: Milburn report into young people and work
Local Government Association response to the interim report
Taking the next step can feel difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you, or someone you know, would like support from one of our Work Coaches, find out more about our Young Adults services here: https://inspirecharityuk.org/services/young-adults/
