LESS THAN HALF OF YOUNG PEOPLE FEEL THEY BELONG WHERE THEY LIVE

21 October 2026

• New research, released today, shows that less than half of young people feel a “sense of belonging” in the community where they live

• Money and a lack of opportunities were among their biggest concerns

• The research was commissioned as part of a partnership between Co-op and Barnardo’s, which has been extended with an ambition to raise an additional £2m to support a further 250,000 young people

New research shows that fewer than half of young people feel a strong sense of belonging in the communities where they live.

Commissioned by Co-op and Barnardo’s, the study surveyed 2,000 young people aged 10 to 25 across the UK. It found just over two in five (42%) feel they belong in their neighbourhood and local area, while one in five (20%) say they don’t feel they belong much or at all.

The findings also reveal a striking link between belonging and optimism about the future. Eight in ten (81%) young people who felt they belonged a lot were positive about their future, compared with just a third (33%) of those who didn’t feel they belong at all.

Since the partnership began in 2023, Co-op members have raised more than £7.5 million and supported more than one million young people through services in local communities and online support.

That partnership is now being extended, with a new focus on supporting young people to feel a greater sense of belonging and build positive futures. The ambition is to raise £2 million to support an additional 250,000 young people, responding to the issues young people themselves say matter in the places where they live.

Young people also identified significant financial and future pressures in their day-to-day lives. Almost two in five (38%) had worried about not having enough money for the things they wanted or needed, while more than a quarter (27%) had worried about not having enough good jobs or opportunities.

Young people also pointed to a lack of things to do in their communities, with over a third (34%) worried about being bored and three in ten (30%) concerned about a lack of activities and fun things to do.

When asked what could make a difference, “more fun things to do” was the most popular response (39%), followed by “events bringing communities together” (26%). Nearly a quarter (24%) wanted support with jobs and job opportunities, while 23% wanted opportunities to learn new skills and build confidence. One in five specifically identified activities that help them feel like they belong.

Dave Luckin, Head of Social Value and Community Engagement at Co-op, said: “Every young person should feel that they belong and have the opportunity to build a positive future. But our research shows that, for too many, that sense of connection to the places where they live simply isn’t there.

“What really stands out is the difference belonging can make. Young people who feel a strong sense of belonging are more than twice as likely to feel positive about their future.

“Through our partnership with Barnardo’s we’ve already helped support more than one million young people, but we want to go further. By bringing together the reach of Co-op in communities across the UK with Barnardo’s expertise supporting young people, we want to help more young people feel connected, supported and confident about their future. This has only been made possible, with thousands of Co-op colleagues fundraising, alongside member, customer and supplier donations too.”

Co-op colleagues, members and suppliers are taking part in fundraising activity throughout October, from guess the sweets in the jar through to bigger events, such as drum-a-thons and go-karting days.

Lynn Perry, CEO, Barnardo’s said:

“All young people deserve to have the opportunity to look forward to a bright future, no matter their background or circumstance. This research shows that an important part of that hopefulness is feeling connected to their community and having access to opportunities.

“As we enter the next phase of our partnership with Co-op, we’re committed to helping more young people access the opportunities, support and experiences that build confidence and connection.

“We want to say a big thank you to Co-op colleagues, members, suppliers and customers whose fundraising and donations make this work possible. Through this transformational partnership, their support is helping to change the lives of young people and strengthen communities across the UK. Together, we can help make sure more young people feel they belong and can look to the future with confidence."

ENDS

Notes to editors

Research was conducted by Censuswide among 2,000 young people aged 10 to 25, nationally representative by age, gender and region.

Fieldwork took place between 15 and 22 July 2026.

Censuswide states that it abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society based on ESOMAR principles and is a member of the British Polling Council.

About Co-op:

Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by around 7.5 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs around 54,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.

About Barnardo’s – Changing Childhoods, Changing Lives

Barnardo’s has been helping children, young people and families to be safer, happier, healthier and more hopeful for more than 150 years.

Last year, the charity provided essential support to over 350,000 children, parents and carers through more than 650 services and partnerships across the UK.

This vital work is only possible thanks to Barnardo’s partners and supporters. Together, they’re bringing love, care and hope into children’s lives, so every child can feel like they belong.

To find out more or to donate to Barnardo’s, visit Barnardos.org.uk