A recent survey suggests that young people in Wolverhampton feel unprepared for adult life, with many expressing worries about their future, finances, and the challenges of growing up. The research, based on a survey of almost 4,000 teenagers, indicates a widespread feeling of lacking practical skills, confidence, and support needed for adulthood.
Youth charity OnSide, which conducted its fifth annual Generation Isolation report across England, found that almost half of the participating young people feel unprepared. In the West Midlands, 40% of those surveyed are concerned about future career decisions, while 32% worry about money and the cost of living. More than a quarter also expressed anxiety about the process of growing up itself.
Many survey participants, including 17-year-old Riley, believe teenagers are left to figure out essential life skills, such as managing money, on their own. They are calling for more support in areas like financial management, cooking, and renting a home, suggesting this could come from schools, colleges, or youth centres.
The report highlights the role of youth clubs, noting that young people who attend them are more likely to meet new people, learn new skills, and gain experiences outside of the classroom. Paul Snape, chief executive of The Way Youth Zone, stated that 89% of young people attending a youth club reported a positive difference to their lives, underscoring the vital role youth workers play.