Plans to give young people more opportunities and help them build a positive future in Devon have been backed by councillors.
Devon County Council’s Cabinet supported the recommendations of Public Health Devon’s annual report at its meeting on Wednesday 14 October.
The report highlights young people’s concerns about mental health, housing, transport, education and access to jobs and training.
When young people were asked whether they could see a future for themselves in Devon, the most common answer was “maybe”.
Many said they were not confident that their needs and ambitions were being prioritised.
More than 140,000 young people aged 10 to 24 live in Devon, around one in six of the county’s population.
Just over one in five grow up in low-income families, while 42 per cent live in rural areas.
The report says that the cost and availability of public transport can prevent young people from making the most of local opportunities.
It also highlights growing demand for mental health support.
More than half of young people responding to a 2026 survey had sought or wanted mental health support during the previous year, and 15.5 per cent had been unable to access it.
The recommendations include developing a Devon Youth Matters Strategic Plan, expanding employment and apprenticeship opportunities, improving mental health and wellbeing support, and creating a digital youth service to reach more rural, coastal and deprived communities.
Steve Brown, Devon’s Director of Public Health, said:
“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.”
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for public health, said:
“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.”
