Supporting the young people of today for a brighter tomorrow
Young people have been hit hard by the pandemic and need support
Life is complicated – we can help. We’re part of a network of charities, a community – we provide free and confidential advice. People rely on us because we’re independent and totally impartial.
As we remain in an era of uncertainty, Citizens Advice Portsmouth recognises and understands the challenges and sacrifices that residents young and old, have faced during this time. As we once more see the gradual easing of restrictions, the message is one of hope and a brighter outlook for everyone – but especially for our younger people, who may well need to hear that they have not been forgotten.
For those youngsters who have been among the least susceptible to the medical symptoms of the virus itself, they may be feeling the social and economic consequences of the pandemic that look set to become the defining feature of their generation. With both education and employment significantly affected by the pandemic, young people may have been the hardest hit by default, and they could continue to suffer the aftershocks well beyond the post-covid future.
According to the ONS Opinions and Lifestyle
Survey in 2020, young people were found to be the most optimistic of all the age groups when they were asked how concerned they were about coronavirus. This was before the socio-economic implications were as evident as they are today.
We feel it is vital to restore and protect that sense of hope, optimism, and resilience, so young people can get back on track, to advance and approach the future with renewed confidence, despite it all.
The good news is the government, partners, and many organisations nationwide have all responded swiftly to the growing concerns, by investing and prioritising a drive of initiatives, with the aim to better support and empower young people going forward. A great example of this is the Kickstart Scheme which provides funding to employers, who create job placements to help young people at risk of being long term unemployed. In fact, we are offering jobs as part of this programme. Placements can be a great way of gaining valuable work experience and lead to further opportunities.
By creating new services like this and by enhancing and expanding existing provisions to guide and motivate young people, they will locate work and training opportunities. Moreover, there will be extra gateways to good quality advice, job finding and transferable skills, volunteering or work placements and access to a broader range of welfare support. These initiatives hope to pave the way for young people to prepare for the challenges ahead and achieve the futures they deserve.