2025 made clear how rapidly social, economic, and political conditions are shifting. The cost-of-living crisis, political change, technological acceleration, and the climate emergency are now part of everyday life. Looking to 2026, the question for us at The Young Foundation – as well as for people, businesses and policymakers across the UK – is not whether the rapid pace of change will continue, but who shapes the response, and how.
Wellbeing is a systems issue
At The Young Foundation, our vision is for everyone across the UK to feel the power of participation – and, in today’s landscape and climate, emerge real opportunities to embrace that, recognising the importance of local knowledge and lived experience.
The year ahead presents opportunities for communities, businesses and policymakers to influence a fairer future. But the path won’t be smooth. Economic pressures continue to impact everything from day-to-day wellbeing to long-term declining trust in our institutions. It’s clear that mental health and wellbeing are systems issues, impacted by myriad factors, among them housing, work, environment, and social connection. A collaborative and joined-up approach is vital, listening to lived experiences to make sure these challenges are addressed effectively. Yet where’s the capacity for people to share their stories, amid busy and challenging daily lives? Access to meaningful work and equitable economic systems should be prioritised, and interest in political models that increase community benefit and resilience continue to grow. But for people living at the sharp end in particular, who are struggling to make ends meet, engagement in civic life can feel like a luxury. Participation in 2026 is therefore likely to rely on political relevance, with people engaged by discussions, policies and opportunities that connect directly to their everyday realities. People need to see that there is scope to change systems and structures in ways that will genuinely improve their daily lives.
Participation to shape a fairer future
This is evident in a range of sectors and spheres – not least in the UK’s transition to a low-carbon future that works for all communities. In 2026, we must move beyond abstract and increasingly hotly debated ‘net zero’ targets, to instead emphasise the tangible benefits of greener living for everyone, every day. This isn’t lofty or abstract, it’s about warmer homes, lower bills, new skills, and stronger local economies. And to achieve that, climate action and our national transition must be shaped with, and for, communities.
For young people too, systems change is vital. In lowering the voting age to 16 and by bringing in the first National Youth Strategy since 2007, the government is recognising that young people’s voices and views matter to national decision-making. At the same time, a consultation is exploring the idea of banning social media for under-16s. With any change impacting young people, we need approaches that are genuinely intergenerational, supporting them to have real influence rather than token representation. Through our Peer Action Collective programme, we hear and see the hugely positive impact children can have in shaping a better future and society, when they are supported to see how much they have to contribute.
Political turbulence
Context is important, and the UK’s political landscape is diversifying at pace, with previously smaller parties mushrooming in popularity as we see growing disengagement and dissatisfaction with the ‘status quo’ two-party system. The picture at the start of 2026 is one of polarisation punctuated by misinformation on the global stage. This heightens the need for politicians to listen and learn. Strengthening democracy requires spaces for constructive dialogue, collective action, and local leadership.
Devolution could, by extension, offer real opportunities for local decision-making – if the proposed shifts in responsibility come with genuine power to influence change, sufficient funding, and trust. As the Devolution and Community Empowerment bill passes through Parliament, 2026 will test how place-based approaches remain genuinely locally-informed, avoiding the risk of superficial ‘buzzword‘ engagement.
Digital acceleration and human interaction
Human relationships matter, too. AI is increasingly embedded in daily life, and we need ethical frameworks, transparency, and community involvement to ensure emerging technologies support fairness, connection, and participation. The impact of AI on the environment, through water and energy use, is crucial – as is the questions of who benefits from it, particularly amid concerns around the future of work and certain roles. At the same time, through digital acceleration, we see that people still value in-person connection and authentic engagement. Trust and presence are essential for meaningful participation and overcoming division. Through our work in and with communities, we see that people want to act together, not to simply provide input to pre-set processes, but to explore and engage with deep change, even when that takes time. Much of our work is about supporting collective action that is locally rooted and inclusive. That is key to achieving lasting and positive social change in 2026.
‘Hope is an active practice’
We hear stories and experiences through our work that connect communities and inspire action. This year, hope can be an active practice: amplifying leadership, shaping change, and resisting fear-driven narratives. The trends shaping 2026 point to the truth that participation is motivated when it’s demonstrably meaningful – and that requires it to be backed by trust, resources, and genuine influence. For The Young Foundation, the year ahead is about deepening relationships, supporting collective power, and working alongside communities and influencers with care, clarity, impact and optimism.
This article was co-created by colleagues across The Young Foundation, building on reflections and discussions shared at an all-staff meeting.
Community Families and youth Health and Wellbeing Inequality Just transition Systems change Posted on: 27 January 2026