Open Lens Media

What happens if we don’t do anything?!

The long-term impact of youth unemployment reaches far beyond finding a job. Without the right support, barriers can become harder to overcome over time and opportunities can feel even further out of reach.

In Part 2, Daina, reflects on why early support, accessible opportunities and stronger pathways matter and shares some of the ways we’re working alongside young people, partners and employers to help create those opportunities.

Youth unemployment in the UK is nearing 1 million young people aged 16–24 not in education, employment or training and that’s not okay.

From working closely with young people, the barriers are much more complex.

Our Founder & CEO, Daina, breaks down a few key reasons why this could be happening:
• Cost of living pressures
• Mental health challenges
• Traditional pathways feeling out of reach

For Mental Health Awareness Week, our team shared a few things they would say to their younger selves, reminders we hope encourage young people, and anyone who may need it 💚
With around 1 in 5 young people in England experiencing a common mental health condition, honest conversations and support are more important than ever.

If you need support, you can reach out to:
Samaritans: Call 116 123
Mind: Call 0300 123 3393
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: Text YM to 85258
NHS Mental Health Support: Call 111
💚

At Open Lens Media, we advocate for the importance of youth voice and creating space for young people to be heard.

Sarah, an apprentice at Walsall Youth Justice, joined us for a work experience placement where she developed a podcast research proposal, which she says strengthened her skills in research and critical thinking and, most importantly, deepened her understanding of youth voice and its role in decision-making.

Sarah is now taking everything she’s learnt back into her work in youth justice, and we’re super proud to have supported her journey.💫

To enquire about our Work Experience opportunities contact us on:
📩 [email protected]
📞 01922 276 162
Or visit our website:🌐 www.openlensmedia.co.uk