MORE than one in ten young people in the North-East feel unable to cope with day-to-day life, according to new figures.

Figures released today (Wednesday January 2) reveal that 11 per cent of youngsters in the region are struggling to cope, while one in five believe they have no future due to the economic crisis.

The figures are part of the annual Prince’s Trust Youth Index, which focuses on the wellbeing of young people across a range of areas.

Long-term youth employment in the region has risen by 400 per cent since the beginning of the recession and almost a third of its young people believe their prospects have been permanently damaged by the recession.

Across the UK, one in five unemployed young people believe their confidence will never recover from their time spent out of work.

Findings from the report state that young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) are significantly more likely to feel unable to cope than their peers.

More than 20 per cent of young people in the North East said they felt depressed “always” or “often”, with that figure higher among NEETs.

Compounding the issue is the fact that 18 per cent of young people living in the North-East say they grew up without anyone to talk to about their problems.

Jonathan Townsend, regional director of The Prince’s Trust in the North of England, said: “A frightening number of unemployed young people in the North East feel unable to cope – and it is particularly tough for those who don’t have a support network in place.

“We know at The Prince’s Trust that it is often those from the most vulnerable backgrounds who end up furthest from the job market.

"Life can become a demoralising downward spiral - from a challenging childhood into life as a jobless adult. But, with the right support, we can help get these lives on track across the region.”

The report was based on interviews with more than 2,000 16 to 25-year-olds across the UK.

For more information about how to help The Prince’s Trust help more young people visit princes-trust.org.uk/youthindex