FROM joining the gym to learning a language, this year many of us will have resolved to make positive changes in our lives.

But, for each of us who feel hopeful about the future, there are thousands of young people feeling desperate about theirs.

Earlier this month we launched The Prince’s Trust Macquarie Youth Index, which was a particularly sobering read. Tracking the next generation’s wellbeing year-on-year, it revealed that almost one in five young people from the South West have experienced mental health issues as a direct result of unemployment .

An alarming 25 per cent of jobless young people in the South West also say they ‘always’ or ‘often’ feel down or depressed, with the report showing that long term unemployed people are significantly more likely to feel this way.

With 5,575 young adults in the South West claiming job seeker’s allowance, the emotional toll of their unfulfilled ambitions and the region’s loss of their potential is tragic.

Having supported 3,453 disadvantaged young people in the South West last year, we’re delighted that more than three in four moved into work, went back to school or took up further training. This speaks volumes about the importance of second chances and also offers hope to a generation who think the New Year has nothing to offer them.

To read our full report, visit: www.princes-trust.org.uk/macquarieyouthindex

DERMOT FINCH

Regional Director The Prince’s Trust

South of England