Research

Youth Mental Health on the Isle of Wight: What Our Latest Survey Shows

In 2025 the Isle of Wight Youth Trust conducted a Youth Mental Health Survey; results found four in ten young people had considered taking their own life and three in ten has been diagnosed with a mental health condition – both up compared to the corresponding 2023 survey.

The latest data also revealed 31 percent of respondents have self-harmed (without intending suicide), 71 percent said they often felt unhappy, down or tearful and 66 percent said they felt totally lacking in energy and enthusiasm.

Nearly half (46 percent) felt terribly alone or isolated, 71 percent reported problems sleeping and 58 percent said they had been worrying a lot.

Bullying was another worrying factor identified by the survey. 57 percent said they had been bullied and 65 percent said they had witnessed bullying. 41 percent said they had received threatening, intimidating of nasty messages via social media, email or text and 44 percent said they had been bullied on social media.

Our data was collected through our bi-annual Mental Health Census conducted in 2025. 1,760 people between the ages of eight and 24 responded to the survey and around 500 more individuals took part than in 2023. The percentages given in the results reflect the numbers who responded to that particular question.

The IW Youth Trust carries out the survey to help us understand the pressures young people are facing which in turn us plan to ensure the services we offer meet the greatest need. To that end, the findings from the census have helped us draft our new five-year strategy which will be published in the coming months.

The team at the IW Youth Trust would like to reassure the community that while young people’s mental health is a growing concern on the Island, support is readily available. We operate a welcoming walk-in hub in the heart of Newport, where young people can drop in, make initial contact in a safe, supportive environment and receive immediate and appropriate information, advice and guidance. Support is also available by phone on 01983 529 569 or by email: info@iowyouthtrust.co.uk

Jo Dare, IW Youth Trust chief executive said: “The latest census once again makes it abundantly clear that a great many young people on the Island are facing mental health issues. There are some really stark findings here that all of us on the Island need to be aware of.

“The first thing to say is that no young person need face these issues alone. We are there for you so please reach out if you need support.”

Jo said it was important too that the trust was relentlessly focussed on providing the very best services where, when and how they were needed.

“That’s the purpose of the new strategy. Greatly Informed by feedback we have received loud and clear from this survey; it will be a document that sets out our priorities and goals for the next five years.

“In the current, challenging climate, we recognise the importance of adapting and carefully allocating our limited resources so we can best support the mental health needs of young people on the Island.”

Our 2023 Island Youth Mental Health Census

We take a proactive approach to understanding the needs of young Islanders.

The Isle of Wight Youth Trust has been seeking the views and experiences of children and young people between the ages of 5 and 25 across the Island for many years.

The Island Youth Mental Health Census forms part of our commitment to providing high-quality mental health and wellbeing support to children and young people in the local community. The Census takes place bi-annually and gathers information on the experiences of young Islanders, including relationships, social media, wellbeing, coping mechanisms, and engagement with services.

Our 2023 Island Youth Mental Health Census

The Isle of Wight Youth Trust has been seeking the views and experiences of young Islanders for many years as part of our commitment to providing high-quality mental health and wellbeing support. Over the past six years we have received over 10,000 responses to our surveys from Island children and young people.

The Census asks questions about the experiences of young people, including questions on relationships, social media, wellbeing, coping mechanisms, and engagement with services. All responses can be anonymous.

We want as many children and young people aged 7 to 25 living on the Isle of Wight to complete the 2023 Island Youth Mental Health Census to help to inform and transform our services.

Kathy Whitewood, IOW Youth Trust Head of Counselling and Wellbeing explains:

“As the world has moved forward from the COVID-19 pandemic we have become acutely aware of the ongoing impact on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. The 2023 Census will help us better understand the changing mental health needs of young people and ensure our services remain relevant and effective.”