Let's get started...
Understanding the EU Referendum
In 2016, a significant political event took place in the United Kingdom, known as the EU referendum. This was when the British public voted on whether the UK should remain in or leave the European Union (EU). The European Union is a political and economic union consisting of 28 European countries that participate in the single market and adhere to standardised laws that enable them to operate as a unified entity in certain respects, notably in terms of trade, security, and migration.
The referendum ended with 52% voting to leave and 48% voting to remain, leading to a political process widely known as Brexit, a portmanteau of "Britain" and "exit." The decision to hold a referendum was made by the then Prime Minister, David Cameron, who was advocating for the UK to remain within the EU. However, the results led to significant political, economic, and social implications, influencing not only the landscape of British politics but also the daily lives of millions of citizens.
Impact on Young People
For many young people in the UK, the referendum and it's outcome have had profound implications. The decision to leave the EU has affected aspects like education, travel, and job opportunities. Many young people valued the benefits of EU membership, including the ability to study, work, and travel freely across member states. The Erasmus+ programme, for instance, was an EU initiative that afforded countless British students the opportunity to study in different European universities under simplified circumstances and with financial support.
The changes brought about by Brexit have created a sense of uncertainty in terms of future participation in such programs and the ease of travelling or working in Europe. Additionally, there have been concerns about the broader economic impact, as many industries that employ young people, such as technology and creative sectors, benefit from close ties to Europe.
Strategies for Navigating Post-Brexit Changes
Given the real-life impacts of the EU referendum, it's crucial for young people to adopt strategies that can help them navigate the post-Brexit landscape effectively. Here are some practical tips:
1. Stay Informed
- Follow the News: Keeping up-to-date with the latest developments can help you understand how the ongoing changes are unfolding and what that means for you personally and professionally.
- Educational Resources: Utilise online platforms and government resources to educate yourself about your rights and opportunities available post-Brexit.
2. Enhance Your Skills
- Diversify Your Skill Set: With the job market experiencing shifts, enhancing your skill set is crucial. Consider learning new languages, digital skills, or other competencies that increase your employability.
- Online Learning: Take advantage of online courses from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Khan Academy to broaden your abilities at a low cost or for free.
3. Explore Global Opportunities
- Look Beyond Europe: While Europe has been a primary focus for many opportunities, other regions such as Asia, North America, and Australia also offer substantial educational and work prospects.
- International Scholarships: Research and apply for scholarships that could enable study or work abroad, mitigating some of the limitations imposed by Brexit.
4. Network and Collaborate
- Professional Networks: Engage with professional networks, both online and in person. Platforms like LinkedIn can be particularly useful for connecting with industry professionals globally.
- Community Engagement: Participate in or start community groups that focus on addressing the challenges posed by Brexit. This could lead to collaborative problem-solving and innovative ideas.
5. Engage in Political Processes
- Stay Politically Active: Voting, participating in discussions, and staying engaged with political developments can empower you and ensure your voice is heard regarding future negotiations and policies.
Conclusion
The EU referendum has undoubtedly shaped the current socio-political environment in the UK, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for young people. By staying informed, enhancing skills, exploring global opportunities, networking, and staying engaged politically, you can navigate these changes more effectively and harness potential opportunities that arise from this new political era. Coping with change is never easy, but with the right approach and resources, it is entirely possible to adapt and thrive in a post-Brexit UK.
How are you feeling?
It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.
If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:
- Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
- NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
- The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
- SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
- Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)
*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.
