This pandemic has affected all of us in one way or the other. Some are worse off, some are coping well. There are different reactions and coping behaviours all around.
As an adult, having lived for 50+ years, I feel fairly able to cope and have found what works for me as far as coping strategies go. Thank goodness for exercise! Without my daily walks and cycling, it would have been a very different scenario.
What about the young people? The 16-25 year olds? How are they coping? What are their views throughout this period? There are so many people to be concerned about and this group is one of them.
They need to feel included, understood and seen. The mental health risks to this age group are also great as they are under different kinds of pressure socially and showing vulnerability to others is a big challenge.
According to research done for the Prince’s Trust Tesco Youth Index, this group feels more anxious and unable to cope than ever.
The Prince’s Trust found that among 16- to 25-year-olds ...
68% feel they are 'missing out on being young'
66% say current and upcoming political events have made them feel anxious about their future
62% believe they’ve 'lost a year' of their lives
58% say constant news about the pandemic makes them feel anxious
54% say political and economic events of 2020 have made their mental health worse
46% of Neets* are dreading the year ahead
38% are dreading the year ahead
Guardian graphic. Source: 2021 Prince’s Trust Tesco Youth Index. *not in work, education or training
Half of the young people interviewed by YouGov for the trust’s 2020 Youth Index, carried out in partnership with Tesco, said current political and economic events had affected their mental health. More than half said they always or often felt anxious, rising to 64% among those not in work, education or training (Neet).
So what can be done for this vulnerable group? How can we help the ones we are close to? What can companies do?
“At this critical time we need businesses, government and individuals to work with us to help as many vulnerable young people as possible,” Jonathan Townsend, the trust’s UK chief executive. “It is only by working together that we can stop this generation of young people giving up on their futures – and themselves.”
So over to you lovely people out there, can you reach out and offer help? Is there space for a young person to join your workforce in one way or another? Even something small can really help a young person to feel valued and that they have a contribution to make.
