A recent study has unveiled a concerning reality for the young population of Guernsey, revealing that a significant number of these individuals feel a lack of future prospects on the island. According to the Quality of Life Report 2025, compiled by the Guernsey Community Foundation (GCF), a substantial portion of the youth is effectively being “driven away” by the soaring costs of living. This data indicates a troubling trend in a place known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant community.
The findings of the GCF’s report are alarming. It details that 22% of pensioners, 19% of children, and 17% of working-age adults are living in relative poverty, raising significant red flags about the economic landscape in Guernsey. Jim Roberts, the chief executive of the GCF and a co-author of the report, stated that the aim of the report is to provoke discussions, particularly with the upcoming elections in view. This desire for dialogue is essential, as the realities faced by many islanders beg for urgent attention and action.
The Quality of Life Report is distinguished as the first of its kind for Guernsey. It utilizes prior published data while also including findings from a survey of 3,000 residents. Notably, the report highlights that five percent of islanders, amounting to approximately 3,200 individuals, often go without basic essentials, including food and heating. This statistic starkly illustrates the hardships experienced by a portion of the community, which in turn impacts the youth’s beliefs about their future.
As the report delves deeper, it reveals striking details regarding the living conditions of impoverished households. It notes that half (51%) of these households lack carpets or adequate flooring in every room, while more than a third (38%) do not have sufficient beds for all household members. The lack of beds is sometimes attributed to cost constraints; however, more often, it is due to a shortage of bedrooms, forcing family members to share sleeping spaces.
The Guernsey Community Foundation plays a vital role in addressing these challenges. As a charitable organization, it conducts essential research, advocates for changes in social policy, and works with various charities to help connect those in need with resources. Jim Roberts expressed that the breadth of the effects of poverty appears not to be fully recognized within the community. He added that the exorbitant cost of living is effectively pushing residents away, particularly young families.
Mr. Roberts emphasized that concerns surrounding rising living expenditures and the struggle to find affordable housing are significant factors contributing to this trend. Many islanders, particularly the youth, feel they have no choice but to contemplate moving away. This situation, he argues, poses not just a local challenge but a broader societal concern.
Furthermore, the report sheds light on the mental health struggles of the island’s youth. Mr. Roberts noted an increase in bullying incidents and a decline in self-esteem among young people. He pointed out that these individuals are grappling with issues of low self-worth, anxiety, and mental health struggles, stemming from the pressures of living in a community that has changed significantly compared to previous generations.
Statistically, the level of high self-esteem among school pupils diminished by 22% from 2016 to 2022, underlining the need for urgent interventions. As Guernsey approaches its next general election scheduled for June 18, 2025, stakeholders and citizens alike are poised to engage in discussions regarding these critical issues and work towards actionable solutions that can improve the overall quality of life on the island.
In summary, the challenges faced by young people in Guernsey highlight the urgent need for community and governmental actions to address living costs and support mental health. With rising poverty levels and increasing perceptions of a bleak future, it is crucial for the community to rally together to develop strategies that ensure a vibrant, hopeful future for the younger generations.