We’re going even BIGGER for Barnardo’s

Fears about the future have become part of daily life for more than 1 in 3 young people across the UK, according to our new research with Barnardo’s*. More than a quarter of young people don’t feel positive about their future at all. That’s why it’s important that we keep supporting young people across the UK and are extending our partnership for another year.

Together, we’re going to go even BIGGER and raise £7m to support positive futures for 1 million young people.

From donating at till to fundraising activities such as, tombolas, raffles to cold water dips, runs, walks and overseas challenges, Co-op, colleagues, members and customers have helped to already raise £5m and supported nearly 600,000 young people so far across the UK, with 88% feeling more positive about their future and 93% feeling more confident and willing to try new things.

Our partnership will continue to deliver:

• 20 community-led services providing free sessions to young people around food, mental wellbeing and future opportunities.
• Online information and advice, created by young people for young people, on social media like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, as this is where young people told us they search for help.
• Advocating on issues young people are facing, such as our report ‘Recipe for Success’ which looked at access to food in communities and made recommendations to policy makers including extending the Holiday Activities and Food programme. It was announced earlier in the year by the UK Government that this would be extended.

To find out more about our partnership and read about the young people we’re supporting, visit coop.co.uk/SupportYoungPeople.

*Co-op and Barnardo’s Youth Opportunity Research, March 2025