A Chance to Thrive: The Difference We Make for Young People

Introduction

This research looks at how charities and community groups support young people to:

• stay safe and well, mentally and physically

• learn skills for home, work, and the community

• make connections, find their passion, and have fun

• make a difference and be heard

Findings

The research found that The National Lottery Community Fund’s youth programmes have supported over 1.4 million young people across the UK.

It shows how:

• investing in prevention and early action can stop problems becoming harder to resolve

• mental health support can build resilience for life’s ups and downs

• crisis support can help young people stabilise their situation and make sense of their experiences

• supporting young people to develop healthy habits can help them thrive into adulthood

• ways the voluntary and community sector supports those affected by ill health