A lack of belonging is closely associated with low wellbeing among children and young people, The Children’s Society says in its 2026 Good Childhood Report, which examines how young people experience their communities and local areas. The Christian charity’s 15th annual report says about one in 10 young people surveyed had low wellbeing, while roughly one in five struggled to feel at home in their local area. The Children’s Society’s report page identifies belonging as this year’s central theme.
The report draws on survey data, qualitative research with children and young people, and responses from 31 professionals. It found that nearly a quarter of young people with low wellbeing did not feel they belonged in their community. More than two in five in that group said they felt uncomfortable or out of place in their local area.
Young people and professionals also identified trusted adults as an important protection against poor wellbeing. The report says young people with low wellbeing were more likely to say they had no adult outside their family who would be there for them. Barriers to seeking help included stigma, feeling misunderstood or judged, not being taken seriously and negative experiences with services.
Access to suitable places and activities emerged as another concern. Twenty-six of the 31 professionals surveyed said there were not enough appropriate places for young people to spend time in the areas where they worked. The report says welcoming, affordable and inclusive spaces can help young people develop their identity, build relationships and strengthen their sense of belonging.
The charity’s recommendations are organised around four areas: “People,” meaning trusted relationships; “Places,” where young people feel welcome; “Power,” giving them meaningful influence over decisions; and “Pathways,” connecting them with opportunities and support. The report also says young people should be involved in designing local services and activities so those spaces reflect their needs.
The findings were presented at an online launch on Oct. 15, where The Children’s Society said young people who helped shape the research would share insights from peer research. A related presentation by senior researcher Delphine Chollet is scheduled for the Child Outcomes Research Consortium Forum on Nov. 26. The launch listing describes the report as an assessment of belonging in young people’s communities and local areas, while the forum programme identifies Chollet as the presenter.