Charity

Many 16-25 year olds in Wales worried mental health will stop career goals

Published

1 year ago

January 29, 2024

THE Prince’s Trust NatWest Youth Index 2024 highlights the threat of poor mental health on young people’s employment and aspirations for the future
Over the report’s 15-year history, happiness and confidence in young people’s mental health shows biggest decline compared to other factors
Happiness in work, education and money at all time low2, with almost one fifth (17 per cent) of young people in Wales stating a mental health issue has stopped them applying for a job
Research suggests cost of living crisis is exacerbating these issues, with over one third (37 per cent) of young people in Wales reporting that worrying about money has made their mental health much worse

The Prince’s Trust NatWest Youth Index 2024, released today, finds that almost one third (32 per cent) of 16–25-year-olds in Wales are worried their mental health will stop them achieving their career goals.

The Youth Index is an annual research report based on a YouGov survey of 2,239 16- to 25-year-olds across the UK 3, gauging young people’s confidence and happiness across a range of areas, from their physical and mental health to money and working life.

This year’s research shows the overall wellbeing of young people remains low, with happiness and confidence in mental health seeing the biggest decrease compared to other factors over the 15-year history of the research. Happiness in work, education, qualifications and money are at all-time lows.

In Wales almost one fifth (17 per cent) of young people report a mental health issue has stopped them applying for a job or attending an interview (10 per cent) during the last 12 months, with over a quarter (26 per cent) missing school or work in the past year due to their mental health. The report finds that over half (52 per cent) of 16 to 25-year-olds in Wales have experienced a mental health problem, while (23 per cent) report their mental health has got worse in the last year.

The findings suggest that the rising cost of living and economic uncertainty is exacerbating mental health issues and its impacts, as over one third (37 percent) of young people say that worrying about money has made their mental health much worse. Over half (51 per cent) in Wales state the cost of living crisis has had a worse impact on their life than the pandemic. Over two fifths (43 per cent) of young people say thinking about money depresses or stresses them, with over half (58 per cent) worrying that the crisis means they’ll never be financially secure.

Sarah Jones, Director of Delivery at The Prince’s Trust said: “This year’s report shows that rising rates of poor mental health are significantly impacting young people’s education and early careers in Wales.

“With unemployed 16 – 25-year-olds consistently reporting the worst overall wellbeing, it also shows us – and young people tell us – that being in employment is good for their mental health, gives their lives stability and financial security, and enables them to feel positive about their future.

“Unless we take immediate action, this trap of poor mental health and employment struggles exacerbating each other, threatens to close in on a generation. Urgent support is needed from partners, government and employers, to support young people to break this cycle.”

In Wales, over half (50 per cent) worry about not having the right skills and qualifications, or the right experience (60 per cent) to get a job in the future. Over one third (34 per cent) of young people don’t feel in control of their future. They also report not feeling confident they will achieve their goals in life (22 per cent) and (25 per cent) say they will fail in life.

Sandi Royden, Head of Youth and Families, NatWest, said: “These findings show that we should not underestimate the impact the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have had on the daily lives of our young people, their financial confidence and their future aspirations. They also highlight the resilience of the next generation with so many feeling determined to achieve their goals in the face of these challenges.

“Through our partnership with the Prince’s Trust, we are able to better understand the needs of young people and take the right action through initiatives like NatWest Thrive, to help them to improve both their financial wellbeing and future confidence, to better equip them to achieve their goals.”

In Wales young people report that having a job is good for their mental health (63 per cent), enables them to feel confident about their future (68 per cent) and gives them a sense of purpose in life (60 per cent). Almost three quarters (73 per cent) report that having a job gives them the financial stability they need and will help get them through the cost of living crisis (70 per cent).

Over two thirds (69 per cent) of young people in Wales feel determined to achieve their goals in life. One third (33 per cent) report help with securing work experience or training would help them achieve their career ambitions. This is followed by help to build confidence (32 per cent) CV and interview skills (29 per cent), skills for work (21 per cent) and improve their qualifications (26 percent).

The Prince’s Trust helps tens of thousands of young people in each year to build the confidence and skills they need to realise their potential. Three in four young people on Prince’s Trust programmes move into work, education or training. 

NatWest have worked in partnership with The Prince’s Trust for over 20 years, helping thousands of young people to start their own businesses, develop skills for employment and supported hundreds of staff to volunteer with young people across the UK.

Charity

Saundersfoot RNLI launches ‘Yellow Welly Trail’ to raise funds and smiles

Published

1 day ago

June 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAUNDERSFOOT RNLI has launched a colourful new initiative to banish the blues and raise funds for the lifesaving charity this summer.

Visitors to the popular seaside village are being encouraged to take part in the Yellow Welly Trail — a light-hearted scavenger hunt featuring the charity’s iconic yellow lifeboat boots. The bright miniature wellies have been dotted around the town, with families and supporters invited to track them down.

The campaign was launched this week (Friday, June 13) by the Saundersfoot RNLI Branch. Participants can collect an entry form from the RNLI shop in exchange for a small donation, then follow clues to find the hidden wellies and explore the town. Prizes and RNLI merchandise are also on offer, with a range of yellow welly-themed items now in stock at the Saundersfoot lifeboat shop.

The trail is part of a broader effort to raise awareness of the RNLI’s vital work along the Welsh coast and to support its fundraising targets. Proceeds will go directly towards maintaining lifeboat services and supporting volunteers in the area.

An RNLI spokesperson said: “This is a fun, family-friendly way to engage the community while highlighting the work our crews do all year round. Every welly spotted brings us a step closer to saving more lives at sea.”

Photos shared by the RNLI show wellies perched around the village — including one mounted on a blue bollard with a sea view behind it — drawing attention and smiles from passersby.

The campaign is also being promoted online under the hashtags #saundersfootywt2025 and #yellowwellies, with Saundersfoot residents and visitors encouraged to share their photos and join in the fun.

For more information or to take part in the trail, visit the RNLI shop in Saundersfoot and speak to the volunteer team.

Photo caption:

Iconic sight: One of the RNLI yellow wellies placed in Saundersfoot for the Yellow Welly Trail (Pic: RNLI Saundersfoot Branch/Facebook).

Charity

Coach driver raises over £41,000 for Wales Air Ambulance after health scare

Published

2 days ago

June 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Volunteer praises ‘lifesaving service’ as community rallies behind his fundraising efforts

A PEMBROKESHIRE coach driver who volunteers for Wales Air Ambulance has raised an incredible £41,000 for the charity over the past six years.

Richard ‘Barney’ Lewis, who works for Pembrokeshire County Council’s Transport Bus and Coaches team, began fundraising after a serious health scare in 2010.

“I had a mini-stroke,” said Barney. “The two paramedics who came to my aid also worked for Wales Air Ambulance. Back then, there were no helicopters flying at night, and there weren’t any clinicians on board. It’s changed so much.”

Wales Air Ambulance now operates four helicopters, with onboard NHS consultants and critical care practitioners. The service also runs a night-time operation from Cardiff, covering all of Wales.

“It’s fantastic,” Barney added. “It’s like the emergency department comes to you — they can deliver advanced care on scene.”

The consultant-led service brings hospital-level treatment to patients wherever they are, including blood transfusions, anaesthesia, and even minor operations. The charity needs to raise £11.2 million annually to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road. It is delivered through a partnership between the Wales Air Ambulance Charity and the NHS’s Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS).

After recovering from his stroke, Barney returned to work and began raising funds.

“It took me 18 months to recover,” he said. “Once I was fit again, I wanted to give back. I’ve raised quite a bit over the years — I’ve lost count how much! I just love supporting the Charity because it helps thousands of people across Wales.”

His fundraising efforts include sponsored bike rides, walks, and a 100-mile challenge last October, which he completed despite suffering from sciatica.

“I spread the miles out over three months,” he said. “One day I took a bucket and walked from Pembroke Dock to Milton and back. I stopped at a local pub for a glass of water and they let me collect there. Then I went into Café 9, and ended up at Bethany Chapel where ladies at a coffee morning were putting £5 notes in my bucket. I raised £178 that day alone.”

Barney has since launched a regular tabletop and coffee morning at Pennar Community Centre.

“I used to do car boot sales,” he explained, “but working six days a week, I couldn’t manage the 4:30am starts. So I started a monthly event at Pennar. We raised £300 at our first one. The next is on June 28, from 10:00am to 2:00pm.”

He’s supported by friends Pauline Morgan, Jessica Lewis, Heidi Rowland, and the team from Milford Marina’s Spinnaker Café, who bake cakes and have even donated four picnic benches to help boost footfall.

Barney also sells unwanted items online to raise additional funds.

“I put things on Marketplace and sell them — every penny goes to the air ambulance,” he said. “Since January 1, I’ve raised £999 just from that, not counting everything else I do.”

He added: “People are so generous when they hear it’s for the air ambulance. Everyone knows how vital it is to our communities. I’ll keep volunteering as long as I can — I’ve made new friends, it keeps me active, and I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Mike May, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “Barney is a fabulous ambassador for our Charity. His incredible £41,000 total is the equivalent cost of around thirteen lifesaving missions. Volunteers like him are crucial to what we do.”

Sandra Hembery, Volunteer Development Manager, added: “Barney is an absolute star and a shining example of the difference our volunteers make. We are truly grateful for his service over the years — in all weathers!”

To find out more about volunteering with Wales Air Ambulance, visit:
www.walesairambulance.com/volunteer.

Charity

Water safety charity urges vigilance as Welsh drowning rate doubles UK average

Published

3 days ago

June 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Campaign targets families ahead of summer holidays

NEW data has revealed that the rate of accidental drowning in Wales is twice the UK national average, prompting urgent calls for increased awareness ahead of the summer holidays.

Figures released by the National Water Safety Forum show that in 2024, there were 18 confirmed accidental drownings in Wales, with a further 19 fatalities where the cause is still under investigation. Over the past five years, 136 people have died in accidental drownings in Welsh waters.

In response, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is calling on residents and visitors to learn the Water Safety Code during Drowning Prevention Week, which runs from 14 to 21 June 2025. The initiative features an animated video available in both English and Welsh, aimed at educating young children and families about the risks of water and how to stay safe.

Matt Croxall, Interim Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “The high drowning rate reported in Wales emphasises just how important it is that families are aware of the importance of water safety and have the correct knowledge to be safe around water.

“Deliberately timed ahead of the summer holidays, Drowning Prevention Week equips people with the knowledge to be safe ahead of more time spent outdoors.”

The campaign is backed by Water Safety Wales, a coalition of organisations working to prevent drowning incidents across the country.

Chris Cousens, Chair of Water Safety Wales, said: “At Water Safety Wales, we believe that even one drowning is one too many, and the impact of losing someone to drowning cannot be underestimated. RLSS UK’s Drowning Prevention Week is an ideal opportunity for people to learn the Water Safety Code and how to stay safe.”

Last year, RLSS UK’s educational materials reached an estimated 1.25 million children. For 2025, the charity has launched new online resources tailored for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring inclusive access to lifesaving knowledge.