Young residents of Britain's coastal towns are speaking out about the harsh realities of life in seaside communities, revealing stories of isolation, limited opportunities and systemic challenges that paint a troubling picture of modern coastal living.
The Guardian's coastal communities call-out
The Guardian has launched a major call-out inviting young people aged 16-30 to share their experiences of living in coastal towns across the United Kingdom. The initiative, announced in early July 2025, aims to document the unique challenges facing younger generations in these often-overlooked communities.
Journalists Alfie Packham and Tricia Wachtel are leading this important project, seeking to understand the daily realities of coastal life beyond the picturesque postcard imagery that typically dominates public perception.
Multiple challenges facing coastal youth
Early responses have highlighted several recurring themes that demonstrate the complex difficulties young people encounter in coastal areas. Isolation and limited social opportunities emerge as significant concerns, with many respondents describing feelings of being cut off from the broader cultural and social scenes available in larger cities.
The research follows previous Guardian investigations that uncovered troubling patterns in coastal communities, including higher than average rates of children in care and families living in temporary accommodation. These systemic issues create additional barriers for young residents trying to build stable futures in their hometowns.
Employment opportunities remain a primary concern, with many coastal towns experiencing seasonal economies that provide unstable work patterns. Young people report struggling to find year-round employment that matches their skills and ambitions, forcing many to consider relocating to urban centres.
Transport and infrastructure limitations
Another critical issue identified through the call-out involves transportation challenges. Many coastal towns suffer from inadequate public transport links, making it difficult for young people to access education, employment and social opportunities in nearby cities.
This physical isolation compounds the social and economic challenges, creating what some respondents describe as a sense of being trapped in communities with limited prospects for personal and professional growth.
The housing crisis also features prominently in young people's accounts, with many coastal areas experiencing rising property prices and rental costs that outpace local wage growth. This creates particular difficulties for young adults attempting to establish independent living arrangements.
A platform for coastal voices
The Guardian's project represents a significant effort to amplify voices that are often missing from national conversations about regional development and community investment. By collecting these firsthand accounts, the publication aims to build a comprehensive understanding of what life is really like for young people in Britain's coastal towns.
The call-out remains open for young residents of coastal communities to share their stories, with the collected experiences expected to inform future reporting and potentially influence policy discussions about supporting these vital but struggling regions.
As the project develops, it promises to shed light on whether the romanticised vision of coastal living matches the reality for the generation currently coming of age in these communities, and what measures might be needed to ensure these towns remain viable places for young people to build their futures.
