Today is World Mental Health Day 2025, a reminder of how important it is to look after our mental wellbeing and make sure everyone has access to the support they need for a healthy mind.
At Elevate EBP, we know that mental health and careers-readiness can be directly linked and we are committed to supporting young people across the Liverpool City Region with both. We advocate for every young person, regardless of their social or economic background, to have equal opportunities. Mental health and wellbeing is a key part of our mission to “Transform Lives and Create Growth” and in this edition of our Elevate Careers Newsletter, we wanted to delve into their thoughts, their struggles and what we can do locally to support them.
The “Meh” Generation:
The recent Youth Voice Census 2025 paints a picture of a generation feeling very “meh” about life, education and work. Around 40% of young people say they feel neither safe nor unsafe in their local area. Anxiety is everywhere, with one in ten reporting the maximum anxiety level, and even more sitting at moderate levels. Those who are furthest from education or work are feeling it the most and are less likely to know where to get mental health support, more likely to feel isolated and the most unsure about what employers want.
Confidence is low across the board. Less than half of young people feel good at public speaking or leadership, and digital skills are slipping, with only 54% feeling confident in their ability to use digital tools (down from 61% in 2024). Literacy and numeracy confidence is lower for students eligible for free school meals or with additional needs. And when it comes to knowing what employers look for, only 49% of young people feel confident; amongst young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) this figure drops to just 26%.
Opportunities are patchy too. Careers advice is declining (just 32% of students got face-to-face advice, 30% had careers lessons, and 23% had an employer visit). Work experience is really highly valued by over 70% of young people but only 26% of those currently in education (from secondary school to university) did any in the last year. Wider opportunities are shrinking too, with just 55% of young people taking part in extracurricular activities in the past year.
The good news is that things can change!
Organisations up and down the country, such as EBPs, provide programmes that make a real difference. This is something we’ve seen first-hand following on from our own delivery to young people across the Liverpool City Region in the last academic year. After taking part in Elevate EBP’s Practice Interviews, 98% of students better understand what employers are looking for. And as a result of our Meet the Professionals employer encounters, 95% of students are more aware of career opportunities; 93% understand more about workplace skills; and 90% are more aware of employer expectations.
With the right support and interactions, young people can feel ready, capable and confident.
Disengagement Numbers are Rising and It’s Everyone’s Problem!
The picture becomes more concerning when we look at disengagement. ONS figures show that almost one million young people in the UK are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET); the highest level in over a decade. The OECD’s ‘The State of Global Teenage Career Preparation’ report revealed that 46% of teenagers in the UK say they’re unsure about their future career, nearly double the figures from 2018. For many young people, this uncertainty contributes directly to anxiety, isolation and poor mental health.
Engagement with employers makes a measurable difference.
According to research by Education and Employers, young people who have four or more meaningful employer encounters are 86% less likely to become NEET. Again, at Elevate EBP we’ve seen how offering support works. In our Connect & Thrive programme, aimed at supporting NEET young people across the Liverpool City Region, 98% of participants reported improved confidence after employability sessions. Providing practical experience, guidance, and employer interaction improves not only skills and confidence but also the chances of a positive future mental well-being.
We ALL Need to Support the Next Generation
Mental health, opportunity and confidence are all connected. When young people feel anxious, isolated or unsupported, they struggle to engage with education, training or work. Those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with additional needs, or from minority communities often face the greatest barriers and are missing out on career advice, work experience, and opportunities that could make a real difference to their mental wellbeing.
Employers, educators and policymakers all have a vital role to play. By working with organisations such as local EBPs, to ensure that young people have access to meaningful experiences, guidance and support.
On this World Mental Health Day, we’re asking organisations in the Liverpool City Region to commit to creating a future where every young person feels supported, capable and ready to succeed. We all benefit in the long term from a stronger, more skilled, mentally healthy next generation.
Contact our office on 0151 330 5758 to find out how you can get involved in making a difference with our EBP.
SOURCES: Youth Voice Census 2025; OECD’s ‘The State of Global Teenage Career Preparation’ Report; Office for National Statistics; Education and Employers Contemporary Transitions Research.
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