Our Commitment
At House of Giving, we are committed to supporting young people locally through initiatives like Social Pod, helping to create inclusive spaces where they can feel safe, supported, and empowered.
Supporting Young People in England & Wales
While House of Giving delivers international aid, we are equally committed to addressing the growing challenges facing young people across England and Wales. Despite being highincome regions, many young people are experiencing poverty, inequality, and limited access to support.
Poverty & Financial Hardship
Child poverty remains a significant issue in the UK, affecting millions of families and limiting opportunities for young people. Rising living costs, housing pressures, and financial insecurity mean that many young people grow up without consistent access to basic needs, activities, or opportunities.
Young people in low-income households are more likely to experience:
- Food insecurity and financial stress
- Limited access to extracurricular activities and safe spaces
- Reduced opportunities for personal and social development
Poverty is also closely linked to wider inequalities, impacting health, confidence, and future prospects.
Education, Poverty & Youth Mental Health
Across England and Wales, many young people face interconnected challenges that impact their wellbeing, confidence, and future opportunities. Inequality in education, combined with financial hardship, is having a growing impact on the mental health of young people.
Children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds often face significant barriers within the education system. Limited access to resources, fewer opportunities for support, and higher rates of school absence can affect academic performance and long-term outcomes.
These challenges can lead to:
- Lower self-confidence and motivation
- Reduced opportunities for further education and employment
- A higher risk of social exclusion
Educational inequality can reinforce cycles of poverty, making it harder for young people to achieve stability and independence in later life.
The Impact on Mental Health
The pressures created by poverty and educational disadvantage are closely linked to poor mental health. Across England, around 1 in 5 young people experience mental health difficulties, with many struggling to access timely support.
Young people facing these challenges are more likely to experience:
- Anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem
- Feelings of isolation and lack of belonging
- Reduced engagement in school and community life
Financial hardship can also limit access to activities, safe spaces, and support systems— further increasing vulnerability and emotional distress.
How House of Giving Supports Young People
At House of Giving, we recognise that improving outcomes for young people requires more than just addressing one issue—it requires a holistic approach.
Through our Social Pod Youth Services, we provide a safe, inclusive environment where young people can connect, build confidence, and develop essential life skills.
Our support helps to:
- Boost confidence and self-esteem through structured activities
- Provide safe spaces away from negative influences and isolation
- Encourage positive social connections and a sense of belonging
- Support emotional wellbeing through engagement, mentorship, and guidance
- Develop life skills that complement education and improve future opportunities
Activities such as martial arts, self-defence, and group-based programmes encourage discipline, resilience, teamwork, and personal growth—helping young people build both physical and mental strength.
Why This Matters
Across England and Wales, many young people face interconnected challenges—poverty, unequal access to education, and mental health pressures—that limit their ability to reach their full potential.
Providing safe spaces, supportive programmes, and accessible services can:
- Improve wellbeing and confidence
- Reduce isolation and vulnerability
- Help young people build skills, resilience, and positive futures
