As the festive fun comes to an end and a less than prosperous 2009 looms ahead, suddenly the winter blues seem bleaker than normal.
But for a significant core of youngsters, the prospect of a happy new year seems even more elusive than ever.
A Prince's Trust report suggests that one in 10 young people in London think their life is meaningless, with those not in work or training twice as likely to think their life has little or no purpose. These findings are especially alarming when you consider that in London, almost 41,000 18 to 24-year-olds are currently unemployed, according to the Office for National Statistics. The number of unemployed youngsters has jumped by 8,000 in just one year.
The long-term emotional toll of their unfulfilled ambitions and the region's loss of their potential is a sad loss and one that The Trust aims to tackle.
The Prince's Trust in London supported more than 3,000 disadvantaged young people last year, developing their self-esteem and skills to get jobs.
Three in four of these young people went on to find work or complete further training.This number speaks volumes about the importance of second chances, but also offers hope to a generation who think that the new year has nothing to offer.
ROSEMARY WATT-WYNESS
Regional Director The Prince's Trust
London
