Polling results show investing in young people is a national priority

Across the UK, voters are united in backing Government investment to secure a better future for young people.

In new polling commissioned by The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) and conducted by Savanta, more than 2,000 adults across the UK were asked which actions they believed were most important for securing stronger local communities.

38% of respondents told us that investing in young people was the most important issue for them, and they believe the best way to achieve long term growth in local communities is through greater investment in education, mental health support, affordable housing and employment opportunities.

Amid political uncertainty and social change, this offers a hopeful and actionable insight – one that cuts across generations, regions, and backgrounds.

A national message with local strength

In several regions, including those facing economic disadvantage or political change, this figure was higher, with more than four in 10 people saying investing in young people was the most important action the Government could take:

• Yorkshire and the Humber: 45%
• Eastern England: 43%
• South West: 41%
• London: 43%
• Wales: 40%
• Northern Ireland: 40%
• Scotland: 43%

These numbers paint a compelling picture – the idea of investing to build a better future for young people resonates deeply with the public, not just in major cities, but across the UK.

Why this matters

The DofE charity works to support young people to build the skills, confidence and self-belief they need to succeed – whatever their starting point. We know from our experience that young people are ambitious, capable, and ready to take on challenges. But we also know that they need opportunities, investment and support to fulfil that potential.

This polling reinforces what we hear from communities, schools, youth workers and families across the country: people believe in young people, and they want to see them supported.

It also highlights a crucial opportunity. In an often-divided political landscape, this issue brings people together. There is public appetite for positive, forward-looking investment that helps young people thrive.

What needs to happen now

This research provides a clear message for policymakers, funders and organisations working with young people:

• People want to see practical action, not just rhetoric, to improve young people’s lives
• Youth investment is not a niche issue. It’s widely understood as central to the UK’s future success
• Local and national leaders alike can be confident that prioritising young people aligns with the public’s expectations and wishes.

We believe this starts with expanding access to meaningful, high-quality youth development opportunities – especially for those who face additional barriers. Every young person should have the chance to have fun, gain skills and develop resilience, independence and the belief that they can shape their future.

That’s why we’re working with partners across education, local government, and the voluntary sector to grow our reach – particularly in areas where young people have fewer opportunities outside of formal education.

Shared values, shared future

This polling offers something rare and powerful: a shared national vision. People across the UK, regardless of income, background or geography, are saying the same thing: investing in young people is how we build a stronger, fairer, more hopeful future.

Whether through formal education, mental health support, safe housing, or skills-building experiences like the DofE, young people need to know that their futures matter, and that adults are ready to back them.

We’ll keep making that case and doing everything we can to ensure that all young people have the opportunities they need to thrive.*

Read more about our impact and see how we’re supporting thousands of young people each year.

*Market Research Consultancy, Savanta, conducted polling of 2,000 adults aged 18-65 between 26 March – 3 April 2025. They asked a range of questions from “What issue do you think is the most important for securing stronger local communities, (invest in education, mental health and career development for young people)?”,  “How do you think we can create long term growth in local communities?” to “How do you think we can create long term growth in local communities?”