At Fresh Futures, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. Yet across Kirklees and the UK, increasing numbers of young people are finding themselves disconnected from education, employment and training, raising concerns about what many have described as a growing “NEET crisis”.
Recently, our Chief Executive, Mark Farmer, joined Edwin Baker on Kirklees TV’s Digital Equality Network to discuss the challenges facing young people today and what can be done collectively to create better opportunities and brighter futures.
What is the NEET crisis?
NEET stands for Not in Education, Employment or Training. It typically refers to young people aged 16-25 who, for a variety of reasons, are not currently engaged in learning, work or skills development.
While the term has become increasingly prominent in national conversations, the issue itself is not new. Nationally, around one million young people fall into this category, with rates in West Yorkshire higher than the national average.
However, at Fresh Futures, we believe it is important to challenge the narrative.
The issue is not young people themselves. Rather, it is about ensuring that every young person has access to the opportunities, support and understanding they need to move forward in life.
Looking beyond labels
One of the key points raised during the interview was that there is no such thing as a “typical” young person who is NEET.
Every young person has their own story.
For some, barriers may be linked to educational experiences. For others, mental health challenges, social isolation, caring responsibilities, poverty, health conditions or a lack of confidence may play a role. Many young people also continue to feel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, having experienced significant disruption during some of their most formative years.
This means solutions cannot be one-size-fits-all. They must be personalised, flexible and focused on individual strengths and aspirations.
How Fresh Futures is making a difference
For more than 50 years, Fresh Futures has worked alongside vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and families across Kirklees.
Through our specialist education provision, Brian Jackson College, we support young people aged 16-18 who may otherwise struggle to remain engaged in education. Alongside vocational learning, we focus on helping young people develop confidence, independence and the practical skills needed for adulthood. The college offers bespoke learning pathways tailored to each student’s individual needs, aspirations and strengths, recognising that every young person’s journey is different.
Our work doesn’t stop there.
Through elevate, our youth-led programme for young people aged 18-25, we help tackle issues such as loneliness, anxiety, low confidence and social isolation. The programme empowers young people to build connections, develop skills and become active participants in shaping their futures and communities.
We know that positive change happens when young people feel heard, supported and valued.
Understanding neurodiversity
The interview also explored the important connection between neurodiversity and the challenges some young people face in education and employment.
Awareness of neurodivergence has grown significantly in recent years, and rightly so. However, understanding still needs to improve.
At Fresh Futures, we recognise that every young person experiences the world differently. Whether or not a young person has a formal diagnosis or Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), the focus should always be on understanding their individual needs and providing the right support at the right time.
Creating truly inclusive environments means moving away from labels and towards understanding, flexibility and opportunity.
A role for the whole community
Supporting young people into positive futures is not something any one organisation can do alone.
Success depends on collaboration between schools, colleges, employers, local authorities, voluntary organisations and communities.
There are many ways people and organisations can get involved:
- Offering work experience and placement opportunities
- Providing mentoring and career guidance
- Supporting interview preparation and employability skills
- Sharing professional expertise and experiences
- Delivering confidence-building activities and workshops
- Creating inclusive workplaces where young people feel supported
For some young people, even taking the first step into a workplace can feel overwhelming. That’s why supportive employers play such an important role in helping build confidence and opening doors to future opportunities.
Thinking long term
One of the strongest messages from the conversation was the need for long-term commitment.
Too often, programmes designed to support young people are funded for short periods, making it difficult to create lasting change. Tackling the challenges associated with being NEET requires sustained investment and partnership working that extends beyond short-term funding cycles.
If we want future generations to thrive, we must focus not only on helping young people who are currently disengaged but also on preventing more young people from facing the same barriers in years to come.
Building brighter futures together
At Fresh Futures, we see every day what happens when young people are given the opportunity, encouragement and support to succeed.
Success is not defined by a single outcome. It is about helping young people move forward, gain confidence, build independence, connect with their communities and realise their potential.
The NEET crisis is not just a challenge for young people. It is a challenge for all of us.
By working together, we can ensure that no young person is left behind and that every young person in Kirklees has the opportunity to build a positive future.
Want to find out more about Fresh Futures and how you can support our work? Contact us today or explore our programmes for young people across Kirklees and beyond.