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HELPING HAND

Young people find it easier than older generations to ask for help

Relationships are the thing people struggle to ask for help with most

YOUNGER people find it much easier to reach out for help than older people, new research has revealed.

A new survey, of 2,000 adults founds that Britons aged between 25 and 34 are the demographic most likely to reach out for help when needed.

Younger people find it easier to ask for help than older people
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Younger people find it easier to ask for help than older peopleCredit: Getty
People find it easier to ask for help at work than with relationships
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People find it easier to ask for help at work than with relationshipsCredit: Getty

However, the over 65s prefer not to bother their friends and relatives with worries and concerns.

The poll found that 25 per cent of people don't like asking for help.

Among this percentage, 51 percent of people prefer to be independent, 48 per cent don't want to bother people and 23 percent are too proud to reach out.

The survey found that work, career and education are the topics people are most happy to reach out for help in.

57 per cent of people said that asking for help at work helped to further their careers.

However, relationships are the most difficult subject to address with others, with 37 percent of people finding it difficult to ask for help.

Brits also find finance and health worries hard to discuss, with 33 per cent and 29 per cent respectively neglecting to ask for help.

The survey also found that 28 per cent of young people find it easy to reach out for help, where as only 21 per cent of older people do.


Susan Davies, head of business banking at Santander UK, who commissioned the research as part of its said: “In business and in life, asking for help and advice is essential.


“But it’s not always easy to do, and in fact can seem to be the most difficult thing in the world if you’re going through a hard time.
“It can be well worth it though, for as hard as it can be, asking for help means you can learn and grow - and hopefully avoid making a few mistakes along the way too.”

A whopping 81 per cent of people surveyed said that asking for help was easier said that done, and 16 per cent of people said it was hard to ask for help at work.

Of those 16 per cent, 42 per cent of people said that this is because they are scared that people think they won't be able to do their job and 35 per cent said they worry what bosses and colleagues will think of them.

However, 34 percent said that they have later regretted not asking for help, with under 24s the most likely to have this issue.

Half of this group said that not asking for help had led to them making a mistake at work.

500 adults who run a business were also polled as part of the survey, and 77 per cent of them said that they had asked for help when started out.

51 per cent of these people has asked for practical help and asked for advice on topics such as networking, managing staff and technology.

However, 47 per cent of people polled said they believed their business would have gotten off the ground quicker if they had asked for more help when starting out.

Sarah Willingham, entrepreneur and Dragons Den star told said: “It’s a no brainer! Asking for help is like pushing on an open door, there are so many people and organisations out there willing to help, guide and support business owners.


“I know how lonely it can be but having a mentor is one of the best ways to help you and your business, whatever stage your business is a
“At each meeting, agree what you’re going to do and take action - no action means no change.”


Susan Davies, from Santander UK, added: “Asking for help is not a burden; it's an investment in your own growth.
“That’s why we launched our programme, to match female business owners with experienced business professionals, giving them the opportunity to share insights, experiences, and advice over the course of nine months.

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“A problem shared is a problem halved, and you’d be surprised how much people are willing to help if they’re only asked for it.”

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