Guernsey's young people do not see a future in the island, according to a new study. The Quality of Life Report 2025 was compiled by the Guernsey Community Foundation (GCF) which found young people were being "driven away" by rising living costs. It also found that 22% of pensioners,19% of children and 17% of working age adults lived in relative poverty in Guernsey. Jim Roberts, the foundation's chief executive and co-author of the report, said it was "intended to stimulate discussion before and after the election". The report is the first of its kind and makes a number of observations based on previously published data and a survey of 3,000 islanders. The report found that 5% of islanders, about 3,200 people, often go without essentials like food and heating. Half (51%) of the poorest households do not have carpets or floor coverings in every room and more than a third (38%) do not have a bed for every person in the household. The report found that in some cases the lack of a bed was down to cost, but more often it was due to a lack of bedrooms, so family members were forced to share beds. The GCF is a charitable organisation that conducts research, proposes changes to social policy and works with other charities to connect people in need in Guernsey. Mr Roberts said the effects of poverty did "not appear to be fully or widely appreciated". He said the high cost of living meant "Guernsey is driving its people away". "Concerns about rising living costs and difficulties finding somewhere affordable to live are forcing some residents, especially young families, to move away, or to plan to move away. "Even though they want to stay, they don't see a future here, and that should concern us all." Mr Roberts said the report also highlighted that young people are experiencing more bullying and have lower self-esteem than ever before. "A lot of the island's young people are hurting. Low self-esteem, bullying, poor mental health, anxiety about the future. "They are growing up in an island that is different to the one that their parents and their grandparents grew up in." The rate of high self esteem among pupils at schools dropped by 22% between 2016 and 2022. Guernsey's next general election is on 18 June 2025 -see a full list of the candidates here. Follow BBC Guernsey onXandFacebookandInstagram. Send your story ideas tochannel.islands@bbc.co.uk.
Young people driven away by high prices - study
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Study Reveals Young People Leaving Guernsey Due to Rising Living Costs"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
A recent study conducted by the Guernsey Community Foundation (GCF) has revealed concerning trends regarding the future perceptions of young people in Guernsey. The Quality of Life Report 2025 indicates that rising living costs are a significant factor driving young residents away from the island. The report highlights startling statistics, showing that 22% of pensioners, 19% of children, and 17% of working-age adults are living in relative poverty. Notably, about 5% of the population, which equates to approximately 3,200 individuals, often find themselves without essential needs such as food and heating. Furthermore, the study notes that half of the poorest households lack carpets or floor coverings in every room, while over a third do not have enough beds for each person in the household. These findings underscore the pressing issue of affordability in Guernsey, which has become a barrier for many families, particularly young ones, who feel compelled to leave the island in search of better living conditions.
Jim Roberts, the chief executive of GCF and co-author of the report, emphasized the importance of raising awareness around these issues, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming general election scheduled for June 18, 2025. He expressed concern that the impacts of poverty are not fully recognized within the community. The report also sheds light on the mental health struggles faced by the island's youth, indicating that many are dealing with bullying and declining self-esteem, with a reported 22% drop in high self-esteem among school pupils between 2016 and 2022. Roberts noted that young people are growing up in a significantly different environment compared to previous generations, leading to heightened anxiety and uncertainty about their future on the island. The findings of this report aim to stimulate important discussions about social policy and the quality of life for residents, particularly as the island grapples with the challenges posed by high living costs and a changing social landscape.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on the concerning situation of young people in Guernsey as outlined in the Quality of Life Report 2025. The findings highlight the impact of rising living costs on the island's youth, indicating that many do not see a future for themselves there. This is a critical issue, as it reflects broader social and economic challenges that could provoke significant discussions among residents and policymakers alike.
Purpose of the Article
The intention behind publishing this report seems to be to raise awareness about the pressing challenges faced by the younger demographic in Guernsey. By bringing the data to the forefront, the Guernsey Community Foundation aims to stimulate dialogue about potential solutions, especially in light of upcoming elections. The report serves as a call to action for both the community and local authorities.
Public Perception
The findings could create a sense of urgency and concern within the community. Highlighting statistics about poverty levels and the struggles faced by young families may evoke empathy and spur a collective push for change. This narrative seeks to galvanize support for policies that address economic disparities and improve living conditions.
Omitted Information
While the report focuses heavily on the negative aspects of living in Guernsey, it does not provide a comprehensive view of potential initiatives or programs that might already be in place to address these issues. This omission could lead to a one-sided perception of the situation, potentially causing alarm without offering constructive pathways forward.
Manipulative Elements
The article could be seen as somewhat manipulative due to its emphasis on the dire conditions without equally presenting any positive developments. By primarily showcasing the struggles of young people and families, it may unintentionally create a narrative of hopelessness. The language used evokes a sense of urgency that might pressure local leaders to act without a balanced view of the situation.
Trustworthiness of the Report
The report appears to be based on solid data, including a survey of 3,000 islanders, which lends credibility to its findings. However, the interpretation of these findings, especially if framed in a way that stirs fear, may cloud the overall reliability of the message being conveyed. The statistics about poverty and living conditions are concerning, yet the context in which they are presented is crucial for understanding the complete picture.
Societal Impact
The concerns raised in the article could lead to potential shifts in political priorities, particularly if local elections are influenced by these issues. Increased awareness might result in community-driven initiatives aimed at improving the economic landscape for young families. Conversely, if the situation does not improve, it may contribute to an ongoing exodus of young people from the island.
Targeted Communities
The report likely resonates with young families and individuals facing economic hardships. It aims to engage those who are directly affected by the rising cost of living and may appeal to community organizations and policymakers who prioritize social welfare and economic development.
Market Implications
The content of this report may have implications for local businesses and real estate markets in Guernsey. If young families are leaving the island, it could affect demand for housing and local services. Investors might take note of these trends, potentially influencing decisions related to property investments or market forecasts.
Global Relevance
While the report focuses on a local issue, the themes of economic disparity and the challenges faced by young people are globally relevant. Many regions are grappling with similar crises, and the findings could resonate with broader conversations about youth well-being and economic sustainability.
AI Influence
It is difficult to ascertain whether AI played a role in the composition of this report. However, if AI models were involved, they might have influenced the way data was presented, potentially emphasizing alarming statistics over more positive aspects. This could serve to heighten the urgency of the message, guiding readers toward a particular emotional response.
In conclusion, while the report provides valuable insights into the struggles of Guernsey's youth, the manner in which these findings are communicated may shape public perception in significant ways. The urgent tone and focus on negative aspects could lead to calls for action, though it is essential to consider the broader context and potential solutions to the challenges outlined.