Devon Councillors Back Plan to Boost Youth Opportunities
Annual report highlights concerns over mental health, jobs, and transport, with a call for greater investment in young people's futures.
By Verity Coombes
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of young people looking towards a hopeful future in a West Country landscape.
Devon County Council's Cabinet has endorsed recommendations from Public Health Devon's annual report, aiming to enhance opportunities and support for the county's young population.
Plans to provide young people in Devon with more opportunities and assist them in building a positive future have received backing from councillors. The Devon County Council’s Cabinet supported the recommendations of Public Health Devon’s annual report during its meeting on Wednesday 14 October.
The report identifies key concerns among young people regarding mental health, housing, transport, education, and access to jobs and training. When surveyed, many young people expressed uncertainty about their future in Devon, with 'maybe' being the most common response. A significant number felt their needs and ambitions were not being prioritised.
Devon is home to over 140,000 young people aged 10 to 24, representing approximately one-sixth of the county's population. Just over a fifth grow up in low-income families, and 42 per cent reside in rural areas. The report notes that the cost and availability of public transport can limit young people's access to local opportunities, and highlights a growing demand for mental health support. In a 2026 survey, over half of young people reported seeking or wanting mental health support in the previous year, with 15.5 per cent unable to access it.
The proposed recommendations include the development of a Devon Youth Matters Strategic Plan, expanding employment and apprenticeship opportunities, enhancing mental health and wellbeing support, and establishing a digital youth service to better reach young people in rural, coastal, and deprived communities.
“
"Young people have told us clearly what matters to them and where they face barriers. Devon can be a great place to grow up, but opportunities are not equally available to everyone. We need to listen to young people and work together to improve access to support, education, training, transport and employment. Our aim must be to give every young person the confidence that they can build a healthy and fulfilling future here."
“
"Young people are the future of Devon, and this report makes it clear how important their experiences during childhood, adolescence and early adulthood are to their future health, education, employment and sense of belonging. They value Devon’s beautiful natural environment, strong communities and quality of life. But many are also worried about affordability, transport, access to services, isolation, mental health and whether Devon can offer the opportunities they need to achieve their ambitions. The report shows that young people are resilient, creative and want to be involved in shaping the places where they live. They are more likely to thrive when they feel valued, included, listened to and supported. Creating hope and opportunity must be at the heart of what we do. We need to work with young people, listen to them and help create a Devon where every young person has a place, a voice and a positive future. I would like to thank all the young people who spoke so openly and honestly, particularly the Devon Youth Council, for helping us understand what matters most to them."
Based on information from the official source: Devon County Council (14/10/2026)
