The article focuses on how neoliberalism and therapisation are shaping perceptions of the problems faced by young people, particularly those considered 'at risk', and how young people as a consequence are identified. It argues that the alliance of neoliberalism and therapisation offers young people the position of a 'survivalist', especially those deemed to be at risk. How this survival discourse, derived from government policy and educational programmes, shapes the way young people are expected to present themselves in order to be heard will be considered.