Equal access to resources and opportunities is a fundamental right, yet many young people across Northern Ireland, Ireland, and the UK experience barriers that limit their participation in education, social activities, and community life. Our Voices for Impact surveys have gathered valuable insights into how young people perceive accessibility in their communities, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges.
Understanding Equal Access Through Young Eyes
The Fairer Society survey results reveal fascinating patterns in how young people perceive access to resources based on gender and other factors. These insights provide a crucial foundation for creating more equitable environments where all young people can thrive.
For respondents under 14:
- 65% believe everyone can use parks, libraries, and clubs regardless of gender
- 20% think these facilities are “mostly” accessible to everyone
- 12% feel access is sometimes limited by gender
- 3% believe access is significantly restricted based on gender
For those 14 and over:
- 46% agreed that everyone in their community has equal access to resources regardless of gender
- 31% somewhat agreed about equal access
- 15% were neutral on the question
- 8% somewhat or strongly disagreed that resources are equally accessible
These statistics suggest that while many young people perceive their communities as providing relatively equal access, a significant minority observe barriers based on gender and other factors. The difference between age groups also indicates that older youth may be more aware of subtle forms of exclusion.
Urban vs Rural Divide
Our survey data reveals notable differences in access experiences between urban and rural areas. Young people from rural communities consistently highlighted:
- Limited transportation options as a significant barrier
- Fewer youth-specific facilities compared to urban areas
- Greater travel distances required to access services
Meanwhile, urban respondents often noted:
- More facilities but sometimes concerns about safety
- Greater diversity of services but occasionally issues with overcrowding
- Better public transport but potential cost barriers
These geographical disparities highlight the need for targeted approaches that address the unique challenges faced by young people in different settings.
Digital Access: The Modern Necessity
In today’s digital world, access to technology and the internet has become essential for education, social connection, and accessing opportunities. Our Digital Access survey revealed:
For under-14s:
- 76% report having access to a computer or tablet for schoolwork
- 15% have limited or shared access
- 9% have very restricted or no access
For over-14s:
- 73% can access a laptop/computer to support their learning
- 18% have inconsistent access
- 9% face significant challenges accessing necessary technology
Additionally, 27% of older respondents reported facing issues paying for data, highlighting financial barriers to digital participation.
These findings emphasise that the digital divide remains a significant challenge for many young people, potentially limiting their educational opportunities and social engagement.
Barriers to Recreational Spaces
Safe, accessible recreational spaces are vital for young people’s development and wellbeing. Our Good Health and Well-being survey asked young people about places to play and hang out safely:
For under-14s:
- 45% believe there are “Lots” of safe places to play and hang out
- 32% report “Some” safe spaces available
- 18% say there are “Not many” safe spaces
- 5% feel there are “No” safe places to hang out in their area
For over-14s:
- 21% strongly agree there are enough recreational spaces
- 29% somewhat agree
- 22% neither agree nor disagree
- 28% somewhat or strongly disagree
These results reveal a concerning shortage of appropriate recreational spaces for many young people, particularly for older teens who often feel they “age out” of existing facilities.
Economic Barriers to Participation
While not explicitly asked about financial barriers, our survey responses across multiple categories suggest economic factors significantly impact access to opportunities:
- Participation in extracurricular activities often involves costs for equipment, membership fees, or transportation
- Access to technology and internet connectivity has financial implications
- Some young people mentioned inability to participate in certain activities due to associated costs
These findings highlight the need to address economic barriers alongside social and physical ones to ensure truly inclusive access for all young people.
Promising Practices for Inclusive Access
Based on youth feedback, several approaches emerge as particularly effective in creating more accessible environments:
For Community Organisations and Youth Services:
- Implement sliding scale fees or scholarship programmes for activities
- Ensure facilities are physically accessible to people with different abilities
- Offer programming at various times to accommodate different schedules
- Provide transportation support or locate services near public transport
- Create welcoming environments for young people from all backgrounds
For Educational Settings:
- Ensure digital resources are available to all students
- Create lending libraries for equipment needed for coursework
- Schedule activities within school hours when possible to avoid transportation barriers
- Offer supplementary support for students facing additional challenges
- Design inclusive curricula that represent diverse experiences
For Policy Makers:
- Invest in accessible public transportation, particularly in rural areas
- Fund youth facilities in underserved communities
- Support digital inclusion initiatives
- Develop accessibility standards for youth services
- Consult with diverse young people when planning community resources
Moving Forward Together
Creating truly accessible communities requires collaborative effort from policy makers, community organisations, schools, and young people themselves. By addressing the barriers identified through our surveys—whether physical, digital, economic, or social—we can work toward environments where all young people have equal opportunities to participate and thrive.
The insights shared by young people through the Voices for Impact surveys provide a valuable roadmap for this work. Their perspectives highlight both the progress made and the challenges that remain in building truly inclusive communities.
Have Your Say! Do you have thoughts about access to resources and opportunities in your community? Share your experiences through our Fairer Society survey. Your voice matters in creating more accessible and equitable communities for everyone.
Voices for Impact brings together youth organisations from across Northern Ireland, Ireland, and the UK to better understand and amplify children’s and young people’s views, ensuring their insights shape the policies that affect them.