YOUNG people who are trapped in the cost-of-living crisis face desperate choices between food, utilities and transport, new research has found.

A report by the YMCA, published today, highlighted testimonies from young people living in supported housing and how their struggles are driving a “significant decline” in mental and physical wellbeing.

The report also highlights funding difficulties faced by YMCA’s local groups, which have seen a surge in demand for housing, amid soaring rents and energy bills, limit their ability to provide essential services.

It calls for a revision of housing benefit taper rates to ease the transition of young people from education to employment, enhancing universal credit top-ups for under-25s, among other welfare reforms.

YMCA England and Wales chief executive Denise Hatton said: “As the world’s largest youth charity, we witness the harsh realities of this crisis daily, seeing young people struggle to scrape by.

“Immediate action is crucial to implement [the report’s] recommendations and ensure young people can live with dignity and look forward to a brighter future.”

On having to use a foodbank, 20-year-old resident identified only as Oscar said: “It is horrible. I never expected myself to be in this situation, because I thought there’s someone who needs it more than me.

“But then when I went three days without eating, I was like: ‘No, I need to be able to get some food’.”

Twenty-four-year-old Leah said: “The twenties are supposed to be the best years of your life, but if this is the best, then I don’t really wanna make it to 30, if I’m honest.”