NEET – not in education, employment or training – is a situation, not an identity, and there is support specifically designed for it.

Local authorities have a statutory duty to track and support 16-17 year olds who are NEET. Your first point of contact is the council’s post-16 or SEND team. The National Careers Service offers free advice and guidance from age 13. Voluntary sector organisations often run targeted programmes for NEET young people, focusing on confidence, life skills, and re-engagement with learning or work.

Do not wait for the system to come to you – it rarely does. Reaching out proactively tends to get faster results.