Supporting positive futures for young people

Fears about the future have become part of daily life for more than 1 in 3 young people across the UK, according to our new research with Barnardo’s. More than a quarter of young people don’t feel positive about their future at all. We think the next generation deserve a better future, so Co-op has teamed up with Barnardo’s to bring communities together to support young people.

We're going BIG for Barnardo’s

At Co-op, we’ve raised £5m for Barnardo's to support positive futures for 1m young people across the UK – closing in on our £7m target.

We’re supporting young people online through advice and information on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube - platforms we know that young people use.

We’re also delivering in-depth support in the communities that need it most.

Deeper roots stronger futures report image

Too many young people find it difficult to get the food they need in the places they live with almost 1 in 4 (23%) young people unable to access healthy food in their community, according to new research by VotesforSchools.

Food Partnerships are networks that bring together organisations such as local authorities, businesses, charities, community groups, and individuals to create fairer, healthier, and more sustainable local food systems.

96% of Co-op Members aged 16-25 said they want to see more FPs and want to be involved in them.

Read the Deeper Roots, Stronger Futures report to find out more.

Young carer Scarlet, 16, is one of a group of teenagers that helped co-design our service in Plymouth 'Take Away Tuesdays'.

“A lot of young people are worried about food at the moment. When we were designing this service, we spoke to over 100 other young people, and lots of them said that they didn’t get much food because of the cost-of-living crisis.”

21-year-old Troy, from West Yorkshire, has been creating digital content to help young people with their mental health and wellbeing.

“It’s important that young people like me are given a voice and platform to speak on the issues that matter to us. By using our voices and sharing our stories, we can encourage other young people to share their own stories too, and to know that their voices matter.”

Together, Co-op suppliers have raised over £500,000 for our partnership, such as Cadbury, Muller, Haagen Dazs and more. So, treat yourselves to one of the products knowing your purchase is supporting positive futures for young people.

Our brand-new double-decker trucks from our logistic partner, Buffaload, will deliver fresh food to our depots and promote the work our partnership is doing to support young people.

One of the largest studies of its kind, ‘Young People: Fairer Futures’, looking at aspirations of over 5,000 10–25-year-olds across the UK, shows young people face a very uncertain future.

Ways you can help us fundraise

From donating online or at till in a Co-op store, we've made it easy for you to help us support 1m young people across the UK.

You can also donate via your smartphone using the QR code on buckets, tins and posters, so look out for fundraising activities in your local Co-op store.

Barnardo’s is a registered charity no: 216250 and SC037605.

Barnardo's supports young people by delivering clothes, appliances and vouchers to help with everyday essentials like food and also campaigns for change.

Your Local Pantry and Hubbub's Community Fridge Network enable people to gain better access to quality and affordable food. Citizen Advice offer a wide range of advice across everyday essentials.

Barnardo’s, Mind (England and Wales), SAMH (Scotland), Inspire (Northern Ireland), YoungMinds and Samaritan’s all offer information and support for mental wellbeing.

Barnardo’s and Cruse offer information and support on bereavement.

Barnardo's provide skills and qualifications to help enter the world of work.

Co-op Foundation, Youth Endowment Fund, #iwill, UKYouth all offer information and support on opportunities for the future.

More support from Barnardo's

Whether you're a young person, parent or carer, Barnardo's can help support you.

From advice and guidance, ways to look after your mental wellbeing, tips about staying safe online and giving a child a loving home, Barnardo's are there for you.

Barnardo's can also help you find out about support in your local area too.

Supporting positive futures for young people

We're going BIG for Barnardo’s

Unlocking the potential of food partnerships with young people

Group of teens help co-design takeaway service

Digital content to support young people's wellbeing

Suppliers go BIG for Barnardo's

Our partnership-branded trucks

Realities facing young people

Ways you can help us fundraise

Donate online or in a Co-op store

23% of young people have started the day without a meal

41% of young people have worried about their mental wellbeing in the last 6 months

Young people are not optimistic with 59% saying there are few opportunities for them in life

More support from Barnardo's

Need a helping hand? Barnardo's have got you