At Safe New Futures, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to build a future filled with purpose, dignity, and self-belief. Yet today, over 625,000 young people aged 16 to 24 across the UK find themselves unemployed. That’s more than a number, it’s a loud, urgent signal that we must do better.
According to the latest House of Commons Library Research Briefing (SN05871), published in June 2025, the youth unemployment rate stands at 14.3%, a worrying rise from the previous year. Even more concerning, 923,000 young people are currently not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Behind these figures lies a deeper issue, mental health, a barrier that is far too often ignored in the national conversation.
The link between mental health and youth unemployment
Unemployment and poor mental wellbeing are not just correlated, they’re deeply intertwined. At Safe New Futures, we have seen first-hand how mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and long-term emotional trauma, can prevent young people from taking even the first step towards employment. The government report confirms this: since the pandemic, there’s been a significant increase in economic inactivity among 16–24-year-olds due to long-term illness, especially mental health-related conditions.
This is where our work becomes essential.
We specialise in supporting young people who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET, especially those experiencing poor mental health, social isolation, and low self-esteem. Our flagship programmes combine group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with pre-employment training, a model designed to address both the emotional and practical challenges that prevent young people from moving forward.
What we do: A holistic model with lasting impact
Our programme is unlike anything else available in Hampshire and the surrounding areas. Over a six-month period, participants are taken on a journey that includes:
- A pre-motivational interview to identify barriers
- A five-week group course (2 days per week) using engaging activities, audiovisual tools, and team challenges
- One-to-one personal coaching
- Use of a 120-page reflective workbook
- Peer group support and a follow-up programme called Pathways, which ensures long-term impact
We also ensure that each course is delivered by two trainers, matched using i3 personality profiling to ensure balanced facilitation. Many of our trainers bring lived experience of mental health difficulties, making them not just facilitators, but relatable role models for our participants.
The outcomes: Real results, real lives changed
Our programmes deliver tangible, measurable results:
- 50% of participants move into employment, education or training
- 76% report reduced depression
- 73% show increased confidence and self-esteem
- 70% become less anxious
- 80% improve their job search motivation
But the true impact lies in the voices of those we’ve worked with:
“I pushed myself to lead a group discussion—even though I was a selective mute before the course.”
— Jacqueline, 21
Our role in national recovery
We are proud to work closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and other partners like Seetec Pluss, who regularly refer young people to our programmes. Our deep ties with local schools, colleges, and job centres mean that those who need us most can access life-changing support when they need it most.
At a time when policymakers are seeking solutions to youth unemployment, we offer a proven model. The recent government data highlights the urgent need for early, holistic, and personalised intervention—the very pillars on which Safe New Futures was built.
A call to action
If we want to reverse the rising tide of youth unemployment, we need to start before young people become statistics. We need to offer not just job applications and CV workshops, but tools for emotional resilience, confidence, and purpose.
We at Safe New Futures are ready to be part of the national response. We invite funders, educators, and policy leaders to join us, because a brighter future for young people starts with safe, supported new beginnings.