Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential wellbeing benefits of ensuring access to a trusted adult for every young person in (a) Yeovil constituency (b) Somerset and (c) England.

We recognise the benefits of having a trusted adult. The National Youth Strategy Youth Matters committed to increase the opportunities available for young people to connect with a trusted adult in their community.

Wider research shows that having a trusted adult is associated with stronger social and emotional capabilities: resilience, self-esteem, communication, sense of agency. Some studies also show that trusted adult support is associated with improved mental health/wellbeing.

The Department has not undertaken analysis to estimate wellbeing benefits of ensuring access to a trusted adult for every young person in (a) Yeovil constituency (b) Somerset and (c) England had access to a trusted adult.