- Conference
- 2025 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 18 October 2024
- Decision
- Carried
This conference recognises the significant challenges faced by our young women members within this current financial crisis. Deeply impacting their mental health and overall well-being. According to the Young Women’s Trust (2024) recent report, 24% of young women have fallen behind with their rent or bills and 28% cannot afford food or even basic essentials. An alarming number of young females (42%) report that their financial situation has worsened over the past year, and more than half (56%) feel unsupported in their work environments.
We know that financial struggles can directly affect an individual’s mental health, and according to Mental Health Org UK, individuals in the lowest 20% income bracket are 2-3 times more likely to develop mental health problems. This can be evidenced when looking at the appalling figures released. Reporting that 1 in 5 young female workers describe having poor or very poor mental health and 26% stay in a job they are unhappy in it as they can’t afford to leave.
Therefore, we call on the National Women’s Committee to:
1)Work with branches to survey young female members about how poverty affects their lives and mental health.
2)Work with the Young Members Self Organised Group and LAOS to produce literature with targeted advice and support for young women facing financial hardships.
3)Work with the Health Service Group to promote awareness and advocate for mental health resources tailored to the specific needs of young women.