Safe New Futures, based in Southampton, said increasing numbers of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) is linked to growing mental health challenges that make it harder to seek and stay in work.

The charity pointed to a “vicious cycle” of rejection and low self-esteem, made worse by a tough job market with fewer entry-level roles, rising competition, and the impact of automation and AI.

Nina Kelly, chief executive officer at Safe New Futures, said: “Sadly, it’s unsurprising that figures for young people not in education, employment, or training are on the rise once again.

“We’re seeing more young people come to us with an overwhelming sense of rejection and frustration.

“Whether it’s the result of an extremely challenging jobs market, or, as many will have experienced today, disappointing exam results in subjects that don’t really relate to how they see their future.”

The comments come as the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported a rise in NEET figures among 16 to 24-year-olds.

An estimated 948,000 young people were NEET between April and June, up from 923,000 in the first quarter of 2025.

Nina said exam results can deepen feelings of failure and hopelessness among those already struggling.

She said: “While many celebrate success today with their GCSE results, thousands face mandatory resits, low pass rates, and subjects they don’t connect with — often feeling left behind.

“At Safe New Futures, we help these young people rebuild confidence and discover their potential beyond exam results.”

The charity has supported 2,000 young people into work, education, or training over the past 20 years.

Recently, it received more than £300,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund to expand its free Pathways programme, which offers coaching, forums, and networking to help young people gain confidence and skills.

One participant, 18-year-old Reece, described how the programme helped him recover from setbacks and find employment.

He said: “When I first joined the sessions at Safe New Futures, I wasn’t in a good place.

“I was wracked with nerves and my life just felt grey and colourless.”