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A survey of almost 100,000 young people has highlighted urgent issues around food insecurity. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority's #BeeWell programme, which started in 2021, is the largest survey of its type in the UK and seeks to understand the wellbeing of young people and the factors that impact it. This year, the survey found that one in ten young people reported that food in their house did not last and there was no money to buy more.
The survey also found that only one in ten are consuming the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. The #BeeWell youth steering group said more awareness was needed about how nutrition affects energy levels and wellbeing, alongside increased support for families to make healthy choices. It also introduced new measures on access to trusted adults, revealing that while 75% of young people say they have someone to talk to about their worries, boys are less likely to feel they have someone to confide in than girls.
The survey aims to highlight how the community can support young people to live well across the city-region. Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: "The #BeeWell findings make it clearer than ever why our Live Well ambition is so important. "We are listening to young people, and they are telling us that access to support in their neighbourhoods, safe spaces to go, and someone to talk to are vital to their wellbeing.
"Through Live Well, we are ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, can get the help they need to thrive." The survey also identified that while 60% of young people feel like they belong at school, the report found lower levels of school belonging reported among girls and LGBTQ+ young people. Read more: Tesco updates customers after mass complaints over tinned beans shortage Colls put the brakes on high-flying Motors in home draw Experts reveal the cheapest time to renew your car insurance saving you £150 Saint, from the #BeeWell Youth Steering Group, said: "It is incredibly important that we run #BeeWell surveys so we can accurately determine where young people need more support.
"By analysing these key headlines, we can target the most significant factors impacting the mental wellbeing of young people and aim for improvements within those areas. "Every young person should be given the opportunity to flourish and succeed and ensuring this not only provides an environment of safety and belonging for the individual, but will collectively help us progress into a more cohesive and compassionate society in the long run." In response to the findings, #BeeWell will work with Greater Manchester’s 10 local authorities to support the development of an action plan to improve young people’s wellbeing across the city-region.
An event bringing together young people, schools, and community partners to co-design a plan for action based on the #BeeWell insights will be held in the coming weeks..
