the Prince of Wales has praised the “resilience” of young people during the coronavirus pandemic in a message on mental health.
Charles He said the disruptions caused by the pandemic “have the potential to be devastating in their impact on the well-being of young people.”
He was delivering a message to mark International Youth Day on Friday, an occasion he said is “immensely close to my heart”.
The Queen’s eldest son continued: “Today gives us all the opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of young people and also allows us to reflect on the impact that the last few years have had on the younger generation.
“In terms of the adversities they have faced, it is remarkable to see the resilience and ambition that young people continue to show in the face of unprecedented global challenges.”
Charles said “it is time we all came together to support the world’s future workforce” as the effects of climate change “are very significant and are being felt acutely”.
He also talked about his charity, Prince’s Confidencewho has worked for many years to help young people with skills find employment.
Recent research from the Institute for Charity and Learning and Work found that the proportion of young people out of work who report a mental health problem rose from 11% in 2011 to almost a third (30%) in 2022.
Charles continued: “There has been a lot that has eroded the hope of the younger generation.
“Sadly, speaking to young people, backed by my trust, I have heard how the pandemic has disrupted their crucial transition years in the journey from school to work and from childhood to adulthood.
“From leaving education without the camaraderie of their school friends to lift their spirits to learning new skills online, it’s clear that many young people have experienced unique challenges during this formative period of their lives.
“These disruptions have the potential to be devastating in their impact on young people’s well-being and my trust has found time and time again that poor mental health can become a major roadblock when young people try to take the next step towards employment” .
And he added: “Young people leaving education do not feel prepared for the world of work. They ask all of us to play our part and help provide them with the skills they need for the jobs of the future.”
