In 2019, 74% of young people in the UK believed they could make the world a better place and 53% were engaged in social action. They were activists, volunteers, participants of local campaigns, all seeking to promote positive change on an issue important to a community and to young people themselves. While youth engagement in social action positively impacts communities, it can potentially also be a powerful way to support young people’s mental wellbeing.

This research looks into evidence of how engagement in social action can provide benefits to young people (14 – 25 years old). It raises important insights about the role of community-based organisations and contextual factors on the impact of social action in youth mental wellbeing.