November 2006
Fit for the Future?
The jobless generation of one million young
people could face a lifetime of poor health and depression unless
they are given more support to find work.
Unemployed young people are more vulnerable to
binge-drinking, depression, poor diet, smoking and drug misuse,
affecting their health and wellbeing throughout life. The report,
based on interviews with more than 1,000 16-to 25-year-olds,
highlights the benefits of building young people’s self-esteem.
Those on Prince’s Trust courses, designed to improve confidence and
practical skills, were 40 per cent more likely to be motivated for
work and, in turn, feel more responsible for their health.
Download the report
HRH The Prince of Wales launched Fit for the Future? during a
visit to a Prince’s Trust project at Newcastle United FC. As part
of the visit, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer talked to
unemployed young people about motivation and leading a healthy
lifestyle, before going onto the pitch for a training session.
The Prince highlighted the report’s findings of how unemployed
young people are more vulnerable to binge-drinking, depression,
poor diet, smoking and drug misuse, affecting their health and
wellbeing throughout life.
“More than one million young people are not in
education, work or training." said Martina Milburn, Chief Executive
of The Prince’s Trust. "By giving young people new skills and a
reason to get up in the morning, we can help improve their health
and reduce the financial burden on the health service.”
Key points:
- 40% of unemployed young people said they were unhappy or
depressed
- 45% drink regularly
- 22% regularly eat fast food
- 50% say their drug or alcohol misuse is due to stress, boredom
and depression
- Disadvantaged young people are twice as likely to smoke and 50%
more likely to take drugs than those from non-deprived
communities.
The report, based on interviews with more than
1,000 16-to 25-year-olds, highlights the benefits of building young
people’s self-esteem. Those on Prince’s Trust courses, designed to
improve confidence and practical skills, were 40 per cent more
likely to be motivated for work and, in turn, feel more responsible
for their health.