Less than half of young people feel like they belong

That’s why Co-op and Barnardo’s are bringing communities together to support young people.

27%

of young people have worried about a lack of opportunities.*

29%

29% of young people have recently worried about their mental wellbeing.*

30%

of young people sat there isn’t enough to do in their community.*

A million reasons to say thank you

Thank you to Co-op colleagues, members, customers and suppliers for raising £7.5m and supporting 1million young people across the UK.

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How we're making a difference

Alongside in-person support, we’re helping young people online too — sharing practical advice and information across TikTok and Instagram, so young people can find the right support when they need it

We’re bringing food organisations together to support young people

Food partnerships bring together local groups, charities and businesses to create fairer, healthier local food systems. Read our Deeper Roots, Stronger Futures report to see how these initiatives especially support young people in need.

Read our report on food partnerships

Raising awareness for young people

Our double-decker trucks, created with logistics partner Buffaload, deliver fresh food while raising awareness of our work with Barnardo’s to support young people across the UK.

Learn how we’re supporting young people

How we’re supporting positive futures

Justin attends a Co-op and Barnardo’s service, where he’s found a safe space to talk, get support and feel part of a community. He knows not all young people have somewhere to turn — which is why he’s passionate about the partnership helping others build positive futures too.

After losing several family members in a single year, Lilli found stability and support through a Barnardo’s and Co-op service. With a safe place to talk, learn and connect, she celebrated her GCSE results and now looking ahead to sixth form — and hopes one day to help young people just like her.

How we fund and inform change

Together, Co-op suppliers have raised over £1.3m 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.

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.