Aston-Mansfield's Youth Survey 2025

We engaged 500 young people from Newham, to hear about their needs and concerns.

This snapshot looks at their top three concerns, and gives crucial insight into the challenges and aspirations faced by young people.

Read through the top three concerns or download our infographic:

Safety and Crime

Safety and Crime was a critical issue raised by young people in the survey.

Alarmingly, 54.7% of respondents reported that they or someone they know had been a victim of crime in the past year.

Additionally, 9% of respondents specifically identified knife crime as one of their top concerns and 16% were concerned about their personal safety

These findings reinforce the urgent need for community-based interventions, youth engagement programmes, and initiatives aimed at reducing ASB, crime and violence.

Funding for safe spaces, mentorship programmes, and outreach efforts can play a crucial role in addressing these concerns. 

Cost of Living

Money was the most commonly reported concern, cited by 26% of respondents, reflecting widespread anxiety about financial security and the rising cost of living.

Closely linked, 19% of young people expressed concern about finding work, while an additional 5% highlighted difficulties in accessing apprenticeships.

These findings point to a clear need for targeted support around financial literacy, employability skills and access to meaningful employment opportunities.

Young people also showed strong interest in practical, skills-based development, with interest in:

Employability activities (15%)

Financial literacy programmes (11%)

Work experience opportunities (13%)

These insights highlight the demand for programmes that not only prepare young people for the workforce but also empower them with the confidence and tools to manage their financial futures.

Expanding access to training, work placements, and career support could have a lasting impact on young people in Newham, particularly those transitioning from education into employment.

Mental Health

Mental health remains a major concern for young people in Newham, with 15% of respondents having sought support, yet 49% reporting they have not, of which a significant 10% indicated that they were unsure where to go for help, while another 11% expressed feeling too nervous or scared to seek support. Additionally, 12% of respondents reported attempting to access help but later gave up. 

These findings highlight an urgent need for accessible, youth-friendly mental health services, including better outreach, peer support, and initiatives to reduce stigma.

When asked to rate how well they are managing their mental health on a scale of 1 to 5, responses were varied, with the highest number of respondents (48%) selecting a mid-range rating of 3, suggesting a general struggle to maintain positive mental well-being. A further 22% rated themselves at 2 and 3% at 1, indicating low levels of confidence in their mental health management. In contrast, only 8% felt they were managing very well.

These findings underscore the importance of targeted mental health interventions, early intervention strategies, and safe spaces where young people feel comfortable seeking support. 

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