Will Norman
Today the Young Foundation publishes a major new study looking at people’s needs in Britain. Sinking and swimming: understanding Britain’s unmet needs is based on new analysis of statistical data, case studies, surveys and hundreds of conversations with people across the country. It shows where the most acute needs are and how they inter-relate. It looks at why some people can cope with shocks and setbacks and others can’t. And it draws out the implications for policy, philanthropy and public action.
The study looked at the material needs that are still going unmet (jobs, homes, wealth etc.) and the emerging and increasingly significant psychosocial needs (happiness, self esteem, resilience etc.) experienced by many around the country. In addition to the groups who are particularly affected by pressing need and – in many cases – multiple need, we also focused on a relatively under-researched group, whose needs most people are generally unaware of. We decided to look at needs at night.
