More than one in four 16 to 25-year-olds worry they have no say in the direction their life will take, a study shows.
Research by the Prince's Trust revealed that many feel "trapped", with low levels of wellbeing and concern about unemployment.
Pete Baker is the National Director of Christian youth charity Pais Movement.
On Premier's News Hour he explained how a youth worker can make all the difference: "When I was a young person growing up in church - the thing that made a massive difference in my life was a youth leader coming alongside me, discipling me, investing in me, taking me on experiences of the kingdom of God and believing in me."
A survey of 2,200 young people found that almost half felt stressed about their body image, two out of five had worried about their job or school and three out of five lacked self-confidence.
Three out of five blamed recent political events for their anxiety, while rising living costs were also a cause for concern.
Baker said the poll was "really sad and really worrying".
It was "the only time in their lives when they get to look forward to everything that lives hold", he said, but added that many "are looking at their future's with anxiety and a lack of hope, a lack of dreams and a lack of goals".
Pete Baker speaking to Premier's Alex Williams:
