Rising Cost of Living Crisis
The UK continues to face a severe cost-of-living crisis, disproportionately affecting young people navigating an already precarious job market and post-COVID recovery. Recognising this, Ilayda initiated a research-driven project in 2022 to investigate and address the impact on youth empowerment. In 2024–25, London Hub II joined this mission, building a pan-UK initiative rooted in peer-to-peer learning, accessible resources, and public engagement. The project aims not just to raise awareness but to foster a youth-led response that is empowering, practical, and scalable.
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Objectives
To reduce the negative effects of the cost-of-living crisis on vulnerable youth by increasing awareness, access to resources, and support structures across the UK—ultimately contributing to policy conversations and systemic change.
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Looking ahead
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Confirmed August 2025 launch event in London
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Roll out in-person sessions in schools, universities, and youth shelters
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Build partnerships with banks, local authorities, and youth charities
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Launch a cross-hub mini-booklet campaign to translate our findings into everyday tools
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Expand our digital outreach via LinkedIn, Instagram, and shared newsletters
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Create a collaborative network of hubs scaling this model globally
Key milestones achieved
As a result of our early research and stakeholder interviews, we launched a series of online empowerment sessions for young people.
Each session features a panel of expert speakers addressing key topics such as financial literacy, mental resilience during financial hardship, and navigating cost-of-living pressures.