Towards Universal Opportunity for Young People Launch Event
On Tuesday 8th July, Dr Elle Young – Postdoctoral Research Associate at Durham University – had the privilege to attend the launch of IPPR’s new report, Towards Universal Opportunity for Young People, held at the Houses of Parliament.
Hosted by Sarah Smith MP and the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), the event convened policymakers, researchers, youth advocates, and sector leaders to discuss the urgent need for a fairer, more supportive system for young people aged 14 to 24.
Key findings presented by Avnee Morjaria and Efua P. revealed that fewer than half of young people currently feel ready for work—highlighting the significant challenges many face as they transition into adulthood. The launch also featured powerful reflections from Farzana Begum, Baroness Anne Longfield, and Sarah Smith, emphasizing the importance of systemic change.
Of particular relevance to the From the Centre to the Periphery project were the rich conversations about the role of place-based interventions in improving life chances. This aligns closely with our ongoing evaluation of the Opportunity Areas programme, which focuses on addressing regional disparities in education and skills.
The IPPR report offers vital insights into how policy can better support young people’s pathways into education, training, and employment—and it’s definitely worth a read for anyone invested in creating equitable opportunities.
