We staged a workshop to hear the views of representatives of care leavers, Devon Youth Parliament, Parent Carer Forum Devon, advocates for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, young carers, Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children and LGBTQ young people.

Emotional health and wellbeing

Lockdown has increased the pressures on young people’s emotional health and wellbeing and instantly removed some of the key support mechanisms in their lives. For some children the reduced stress and more limited expectations allowed time to strengthen relationships with family and carers.

Communication and engagement

Young people felt that the information and advice from local and national services was often unclear and inconsistent. Some services stopped suddenly and young people were not told how to get support. Children also said that some services, schools and individual teachers had really gone above and beyond to provide support and encouragement.

Future prospects

COVID-19 will have lasting impacts on the future employment, training and education prospects for children and young people. Young people are concerned about limited access to opportunities in volunteering and work experience.

Vulnerable Households

The pandemic has created and worsened physical, mental and financial strains on vulnerable households, directly impacting the safeguarding of children and young people living there.

Is there anything wrong with this page?