What is ‘Inclusion’?
This was the start of the rationale for Transitions UK.
Disadvantage among young people in the UK is rife; be that through disabilities and special needs, economic and social circumstance, emotional and mental health issues, those in care or leaving care, those excluded from school or at risk of offending
Consequences of this disadvantage include:
Almost 1 in 5 young people in the UK are unemployed (nearly four times the general rate)
The single largest killer of young men in this age group is suicide
We have among the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in Europe
Housing prices and low wages (or no wages) mean many see little prospect of their own place
Depression and disengagement (dropping out) are all too common
Young people are losing hope for the future and giving up on a career
Young people having left care make up 60% of the male population and 40% of the female population of those in youth offending institutions
Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are among the most multiply disadvantaged groups in our community in terms of employment and educational opportunities, social inclusion, discrimination, bullying, physical and mental health
The reality for too many is a loss of hope and a huge loss of potential for our young people and for our society as a whole.