The Wales Green Party has raised its concerns at a report issued by The Prince’s Trust of Wales about young people and mental health. The Princes Trust report stated that twenty one per cent of young people in Wales who've been unemployed say they've experienced at least one symptom of poor mental health or emotional wellbeing.
Wales Green Party further notes that even young people who are in work are concerned about having a long-term future within the world of work, due to a very very fragile job market and feels Welsh Ministers should be doing more to attract companies into Wales.
Wales Green Party’s Leader and European Election Candidate Pippa Bartolotti said in response to the report that “Those unemployed, or under employed may receive some money, but they have not received improved chances in life. In too many communities the young have been parked up in poverty, and it is no surprise to me that depression and mental health problems are the result. The poor are picking up the bill created by the richest and this is morally wrong. What young people need is a hand up, not a hand out.
“The current social security system is demeaning and ignores the real roots of poverty. The Green Party proposes a Citizens Income which would transform social security from a compensatory system into an emancipatory system, one that trusts people to make their own decisions, and does not stigmatize them for their circumstances. Many studies have shown that a Citizen’s Income will not make the receivers lazy. On the contrary it will stimulate them to do more, do better. It will provide purpose and dignity, close the income gap and increase choice.
“How can we not afford to educate our children, to feed them well and house them properly; how can we not afford to give them choices and give reign to their talents for the common good. Young people are our future, and we should invest in them accordingly.”
Notes to Editors [1] This press release is in response to - http://www.itv.com/news/wales/update/2014-01-02/princes-trust-we-need-to-reach-out-to-young-people/ [2] Pippa Bartolotti can be contacted via e mail on pippabartolotti@walesgreenparty.com Tel 07981 717757 or 01633 822922 www.wales.greenparty.org.uk