One year, 17 towns, dozens of voices: what we heard along the coast of England and Wales
A year-long investigation into coastal towns in England and Wales highlights the systemic isolation and lack of opportunity facing young people in these regions. The report links these struggles to significant funding cuts for youth services and high rates of unemployment among 16- to 24-year-olds.
Why it matters
It sheds light on the socioeconomic disparities in coastal communities, challenging stereotypes about youth in these areas and highlighting the impact of austerity.
Julia and Joe, who are members of the House of Wingz youth dance and arts hub in Blackpool. All photographs: Polly Braden/the Guardian Reporting from some of the poorest seaside towns revealed how young people have been left isolated – but remain resilient and full of hope
About this content Fri 24 Jul 2026 02.00 EDT Last modified on Fri 24 Jul 2026 02.01 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google I f you were asked to summon up images of the coastline of England and Wales, you might think of sunny days, buckets, spades and carefree holidays. But for many young people growing up by the sea, decades of evidence tell a very different story. For them, rather than a picture-perfect horizon full of hope, the sea has become a boundary that swallows up opportunity.
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