🌟 International Youth Day: young people deserve the chance to thrive

Today, 12 August, is International Youth Day – an opportunity to celebrate young people and recognise the contribution they make to our communities.

It is also an opportunity to highlight some of the challenges that many young people are facing today.

For some, starting out independently and building a secure future is becoming increasingly difficult. High living costs, housing pressures, difficulties finding a job and low-paid or unstable work can make it challenging to afford everyday essentials.

Young people can face food insecurity too

Food insecurity isn’t something that only affects families or older people. Young people can also find themselves struggling to make ends meet.

A young person looking for their first job, working part-time, studying, living independently or dealing with an unexpected change in circumstances can quickly find that their income doesn’t stretch far enough to cover rent, bills, travel and food.

When money is tight, food can be one of the first things people cut back on.

Nobody should have to choose between buying food and paying an essential bill.

Young people need support and opportunities

Young people deserve the opportunity to work, learn, live independently and build a secure future.

That means access to decent employment, fair incomes, affordable housing and a social security system that provides meaningful support when people need it.

While longer-term solutions are important, people experiencing financial hardship need help now.

Hart Foodbank is here to help

If you’re a young person struggling to afford food or other essentials, please know that asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of.

Hart Foodbank provides emergency food support to local people experiencing financial hardship, working with referral agencies to help ensure that those who need support can access it.

We also signpost people towards other organisations that may be able to provide additional support.

This International Youth Day, let’s celebrate the potential of young people – and make sure they have the support and opportunities they need to fulfil it.

💚 Every young person deserves the chance to build a secure future.

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