Tag: Young people

Twelve young filmmakers to be the voice of Scotland at COP26

Picture: Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com

Scottish Youth Film Foundation (SYFF) and COP26 Principal Partner ScottishPower has unveiled the team of young filmmakers who have been selected to bring the voice of young Scotland to COP26.

Twelve young Scots from across the country and aged between 16 and 21 are being trained to film, direct, present and produce content which will be broadcast daily to a global audience as COP TV during the environmental conference.

SYFF co-founder Scott Mackay who has been working with the young people this summer, said of the global project: “COP TV is a fantastic opportunity for young people to influence the climate change conversation on a global stage – to bring the voice of young Scotland to the world and the world to the young people of Scotland.

“Working with the team, I am so impressed with the knowledge, passion and enthusiasm they bring to the film-making process. They are a credit to Scotland and will be fantastic young ambassadors both to the delegates and climate change influencers we interview and to the global audience watching our daily broadcast.”

“We are hugely grateful to ScottishPower for their support. This promises to be a historic event and I’m honoured to be working with such a talented group of young Scots.”

© Sandy Young Photography Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com

Dr Sam Gardner, Head of Climate Change and Sustainability at ScottishPower, said: “We need everyone to play their part in tackling the climate emergency and we’ve already seen that the enthusiasm and determination of young people can not only influence the decision-makers, but can result in real and lasting change.

“COP26 is arguably the world’s most crucial conference on climate change yet. It’s where we hope to see real action taken to cut carbon emissions and limit the rise in global temperatures. ScottishPower is already playing its part, investing £10billion in the UK over five years – £6 million every working day – to double its renewable generation capacity and drive forward decarbonisation.

“I’m delighted to meet the team from COP TV and I look forward to seeing the stories and news they capture during COP broadcast worldwide.”

The team will be supported by Christie Paterson, an offshore environmental manager with ScottishPower’s parent company Iberdrola. Based out of ScottishPower’s Glasgow HQ, Christie works with Iberdrola windfarm projects worldwide, advising on how to reduce and monitor potential environmental impacts.

Christie said: “I think COP TV is a fantastic initiative and it’s been great to meet the team at our windfarm today.

“There are so many great stories to tell as we journey towards net zero and I hope I can help show this group of young filmmakers all the ways we are working to help protect the environment both here in the UK and at windfarms around the world.”

MEET the FILM-MAKERS:

Becky Gillan

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Hiya! My name is Becky and I live in Edinburgh (Although I’m originally from South Lanarkshire). I study Government Policy and Society with Quantitative Methods at the University of Edinburgh and have a strong interest in economic, environmental, educational and health policy. A fun fact about me is that I work as a roller skating instructor.  

With COP TV, I hope to be able to spread awareness of climate change both within my generation and beyond. As well as this I hope to be able to interview key environmental stakeholders and ask the difficult questions that young people need to know.

Josh Parker

I’m Josh, I’m 17 and I’m from the south side of Glasgow. I’m in my first year of university. I’ve been really interested in activism and have worked on a range of issues that affect young people.

I hope to bring greater awareness to the climate crisis among other young people and inspire people to get involved in learning more/taking action..

Emily Ritchie

I’m Emily, I’m 20 years old and I live just outside of Glasgow. I’ve recently graduated from City of Glasgow College, where I studied HNC Social Sciences.

My hope is, that through the COP TV project, I will be able to build upon my current understanding of both Climate Change and the media industry.

Going into this project, my experience was mainly media based – having made a few short films in the past, along with an interest in photography.

Already I have learned vital skills in filmmaking, more about what we can do to tackle the climate crisis and the importance of COP26, something that will hopefully continue throughout the COP TV project.

Meredith Rae

I’m Meredith, I’m 17 and from the Falkirk area. Started getting interest in this area by writing a piece for my school newspaper regarding climate, the pandemic and climate justice.

I’m aiming to do Film and Television with Politics at University of Glasgow in 2022 and in the past year created an initiative at school called ‘Lady Business’ which aimed to combat period poverty.

Joseph Olanlokun

My name is Joseph Olanlokun. I’m 17 and live in Armadale in West Lothian.

One day I want to be a  film/TV director so I am interested in Directing, Screenwriting and Camera Work. It’s been fun working with COP TV so far because it’s given me the chance to meet like-minded people who are positive about Climate change.

I hope to influence the way young people think about climate change and I want more people to do their part in making the world a better place.

Zoe Conroy

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My name is Zoë Conroy and I come from a village called Banchory. I am 17 years old and I am currently in my sixth year at Banchory Academy.

I also have lately secured a place at Edinburgh Napier for a 4 year long photography course starting in 2022.

I really hope to go into the fashion industry as I have always felt that change is necessary within. Change is something I am very used to. I was born in Houston Texas and lived there for 5 years, then moved to Dubai, where we stayed for 6 years and finally moved to Scotland.

As you can tell by now I don’t shy away from change and there must be change made if we want to combat the climate crisis. 

I hope that COP TV will give me the opportunity to get myself and the other young people who are part of the team out there and our voices heard, so that the change is made. 

Stella Duncan

My name is Stella and I come from Dumfries. I am 16 years old at present but I am aiming to do a university level qualification in global environmental issues alongside my advanced highers.

I’ve been part of the school’s eco-committee for quite a few years and outside of school I have been attending a local film making group (Scene 1 take 1) for almost 7 years.

Scarlett Alexander

Hi, I’m Scarlett from Ayr and I’m 16 years old.  I am into lots of different fashion and music and I’ve been taking an interest lately not just in media and climate but how media can be more climate and carbon conscious.

Totally fascinated by the technology of broadcasting and I hope to get a real chance through COP TV to gain experience in camera work and editing. Currently making my own personal film for COP TV about waterways near my home town.

I recently had a chance to sit in on the editing of a documentary about Johnny Cash and his performance in San Quentin jail.

Rachel Henderson

I’ve taken part in school climate protests like the march in Glasgow in 2019. I’m 16 years old and currently studying Higher Drama. I go to Bishopbriggs Academy and I am a massive bookworm with my favourite book being ‘ The Midnight Library’ By Matt Haig.

I hope to gain more knowledge and insight on what’s going on in the world and to use the skills I learned to spread awareness and to inspire others to make change

Jasmin Robertson

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17 years old and from Nairn I have attended the Friday climate strikes at school and I aim to improve our world throughout all my creative practices. Recent art projects have looked at things like plastic pollution and reforestation.

I am really looking forward to the act of making programmes and films; From the writing and planning to the editing and final transmission. I enjoy editing and can’t wait to get started making films for broadcast during COP 26.

Finlay McLennan

Hello! My name is Finlay, I am 17 years old and I live just outside of Inverness. I love trad and folk music and I play the fiddle with my band Cala.

What I hope to achieve at COP is inspiring other young people to be a part of the fight for climate change through the use of film and also to gain experience working in the media industry.

Charlie Topping

I’m Charlie. I’m 16 years old and from Drumchapel and just completed a short comedy horror film (despite the pandemic) for my Higher Media course.

Really looking forward to getting involved in all aspects of both broadcast and the climate crisis as we head to COP 26. Which will likely be the most important event to ever come to my hometown of Glasgow. Main focus – fast fashion.

For more information or to arran

Young COVID patients share stories to urge others to get jabbed

  • Latest figures show people aged 18 to 34 now make up more than 1 in 5 of those admitted to hospital with the virus
  • Watch the video

As part of a drive encouraging people to get vaccinated, young people have shared their experiences of suffering long COVID in a powerful new video.

Young coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have told their stories of battling the virus and suffering long-term debilitating effects as part of a new film encouraging people to get their vaccines.

The video features several patients who experienced serious symptoms of COVID-19 or developed long COVID, as well as the doctors and frontline staff who treated them, to warn of the dangers of the virus for those who are not vaccinated. It is narrated by A&E doctor, Dr Emeka Okorocha.

It comes as people aged 16 to 17 in England are offered a COVID-19 vaccine by today (Monday 23 August), meeting the government’s target. More than 360,000 have already been vaccinated and letters and texts were sent last week to the remaining people inviting them to book an appointment with their GP or visit their nearest walk-in centre.

All at-risk people aged 12 to 15 in England have also been invited for a vaccination and young people are encouraged to take up the offer as soon as possible to build vital protection before returning to school in September.

The latest figures show that hospitals are seeing a rise in unvaccinated young adults admitted with COVID-19. A fifth of COVID-19 hospital admissions in England are aged 18 to 34 – 4 times higher than the peak in the winter of 2020.

The patients who feature in the new short film have issued a rallying call: young people should take up the vaccine to avoid suffering a similar fate.

Quincy Dwamena, a 31-year-old videographer and support worker from East London, who spent 2 weeks in hospital with COVID-19 after putting off the vaccine, said: “I’m a healthy, young guy. I went to the gym often and have no underlying health concerns.

“I put off getting the vaccine because I thought the way I was living my life would mean there would be little to no chance of me catching the virus, or it would have little effect.

“But I ended up being hospitalised and thought I was going to die. My advice is to get the vaccine: don’t put yourself and others at risk, I wish I’d got mine as soon as it was offered.”

Megan Higgins, a 25-year-old special needs tutor from London who is suffering from long COVID, pleaded with others to get vaccinated. She said: “I was always careful about catching COVID-19, but I’m healthy and active so thought if I catch it, I’d probably brush it off.

“It’s now been 8 months since I tested positive, and I can’t even walk around the shops without getting exhausted. Long COVID is debilitating so please, get vaccinated. I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what I have.”

Ella Harwood, a 23-year-old illustrator from London, said: “I’m young and fit but I was bed-bound for 7 months with COVID-19. Before I caught the virus, I was super active and had no health concerns, but I now suffer with asthma which I didn’t have before and a number of allergies.

“I fear I’ll never be the same again but I’m making progress and I’m very grateful that I’m still alive. Please get vaccinated if you haven’t already.”

Young people in England aged 16 and 17 are able to get vaccinated at one of more than 800 GP-led local vaccination sites and NHS England has launched an online walk-in site finder to help this age group locate the nearest available centre. Further sites will come online over the coming days and weeks.

A total of 89,070,370 people have been vaccinated in the UK, including 47,573,794 people with a first dose (87.5%) and 41,496,576 people with a second dose (76.3%).

Uptake among under 30s is lowest in London where the interviews were filmed.

According to data from Public Health England, the highest COVID-19 case rates are among 20 to 29-year-olds with a case rate of 670.7 cases per 100,000 people in the 7 days to August 8, up week-on-week from 628.6.

More than 1 in 20 people aged 16 to 29 (6.3%) have had long COVID, which is higher than the national average. Many of these have said long COVID has had a major impact on their lives, especially the ability to exercise, work, and maintain relationships.

TV doctor and emergency medicine physician, Dr Emeka Okorocha said: “As an A&E doctor, I’ve seen a lot during the pandemic. But nothing has shaken me like the sight of young, otherwise healthy adults, being rushed into our hospitals with COVID-19.

“As well as their age, many of them have one other thing in common: they are unvaccinated. Vaccines truly are the way out of this pandemic and are the best way to protect everyone from the virus, so please get your vaccine.”

Data from Public Health England (PHE) shows COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against hospitalisation from the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant, the dominant strain in the UK. The analysis shows the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is 96% effective and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is 92% effective against hospitalisation after 2 doses.

In all age groups the odds of experiencing symptoms for more than 28 days after post-vaccination infection was approximately halved by 2 vaccinations.

COVID-19 vaccines have saved around 95,200 lives and prevented 82,100 hospitalisations and 23.9 million infections in England alone, the latest data from Public Health England and Cambridge University shows.

Alongside Dr Emeka and patients, the film features interviews with the frontline workers who have been treating young COVID-19 patients.

Tom Williamson, physiotherapist at Epsom and St Hellier Hospital Trust who features in the film, said: “We’re treating more and more young COVID-19 patients who are still suffering with long COVID and it’s heart-breaking to see. Patients are experiencing extreme fatigue which means they can no longer do the things they love, and some have had to quit work.

“My message is clear, COVID-19 can affect anyone, regardless of your age or lifestyle so please get vaccinated. It’s the best way to protect yourself and others.”

The government is working closely with the NHS to make it as easy as possible to get a vaccine, including through ‘grab a jab’ pop-up vaccine sites across the country, such as London-based nightclub Heaven, as well as football stadiums and festivals up and down the country.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Vaccines are building a wall of defence in the UK and allowing us to safely live with this virus without restrictions.

“Regardless of whether you’re young, fit and healthy, these harrowing stories really show that COVID-19 can affect anyone. I encourage everyone to come forward for both their jabs as quickly as possible as vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness.”

Advice and information on the benefits of vaccination have been shared at every opportunity, including through a range of partnerships with industries catering for predominantly younger audiences.

This work has included partnerships with high-profile entertainment and sports personalities on short films encouraging people to get the jab, such as film stars Jim Broadbent and Thandiwe Newton, and football figures Harry Redknapp and Chris Kamara.

The UK Government has also partnered with dating apps, social media platforms and large companies, such as Uber, Asda and Deliveroo, on adverts and incentives to get the vaccine. For example, Asda will offer £10 vouchers for their clothing brand George at select stores to 18 to 30-year-olds who spend over £20, and Deliveroo will be distributing thousands of £5 vouchers over the coming weeks.

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “There is no doubt the COVID-19 vaccination programme is having a major impact, keeping around 82,100 people out of hospital and saving an estimated 95,200 lives in England.

“But we are seeing more unvaccinated young people in hospital now than ever before. Please don’t delay – get your jabs to avoid a similar fate to these brave people who have shared their stories.”

Watch the video

Free bus travel praised by MSP

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has praised the Scottish Government’s announcement that all residents in Scotland, under the age of 22, will be eligible for free bus travel from January 2022.

This new scheme, extending free bus travel to everyone aged 22, builds on the Scottish Government’s commitment to providing free bus travel to all under-19’s in Scotland which starts this month.

The scheme which is set benefit thousands across Edinburgh, will be delivered in partnership with the Improvement Service, the National Entitlement Card Programme Office and Young Scot.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald said: “This is fantastic news for young people in the city, and right across Scotland, that I am certain will be welcomed across the board.

“I am delighted that in addition to providing free bus travel to all under-19’s in Scotland from August this year, the SNP Scottish Government is going one step further and extending free bus travel to everyone aged 22 and under in Scotland.

“From Comiston to Currie, this will be of immense benefit to young people – especially those further outside the city centre like many in areas across Edinburgh Pentlands.

“It will ensure that young people do not have to face financial travel barriers to get to their education or work, as well as giving them more money in their pocket.

“It is decisive action like this that will also help encourage more sustainable travel behaviour from a young age, helping us in our journey to achieving the world-leading climate action targets which the Scottish Government have ambitiously set for us.”

Further information, including details on how to apply for the scheme, here.

Edinburgh Leisure supports families to ‘Get Into Summer’

Thanks to funding from the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Leisure were able to bring back a summer of fun safely to their venues across this city and supported 126 children and families living on low incomes to get active and enjoy their summer.

The Scottish Government released funding to local authorities across Scotland to help address the negative impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Scotland.

The priority for this funding was to provide opportunities that allowed children and young people to socialise and reconnect with peers, get active and most importantly have fun, during the summer.

Edinburgh Leisure offered parents or guardians, living on a low income and wanted their child to have the opportunity to take part in fun, engaging and exciting sports this summer to apply for funded places. 

Spaces were available on Edinburgh Leisure’s swimming, gymnastics, dance, and tennis programmes, with no cost to the family applying. The coaching programmes took place in a variety of venues across the city, at various dates, with some one-day sessions and some full-week activity programmes.

Edinburgh Leisure also offered 320 spaces for families to attend their AquaDash Extreme and Clip n Climb sessions.

Families who were eligible for the programme included children who receive school uniform and meal grants, care experienced children, young carers, children whose families are in receipt of Universal Credit and children supported by a child’s plan.

Tommy George, Community Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “For many families, finances are really tight and getting involved in activities during the holidays can be prohibitive due to cost.

“Thanks to funding from the City of Edinburgh Council, however, we were able to support families living on low incomes to ‘Get Into Summer’ by getting active, learn key skills, build confidence and esteem, as well as having fun, in a safe environment.”

Edinburgh Leisure also provided a free football programme for young people from S1 to S6 to take part in and a weekly free ‘Sport on the Beach’ session at Portobello for primary school-aged children.  

Be a PYCP Adventurer!


PYCP@PiltonYouthProj

Hey PYCP families and friends! Pretty soon we’ll be starting two new 10-week-blocks of the Adventurers for young people P5 to P7.

The activities will be on: Tuesday 3.30 – 5.00 and Thursday 3.30 – 6.00

To book a place: aga@pycp.co.uk 07305054162.

Live Music Now Scotland extends festival season into September

  • LMNS continues to collaborate with the Scottish Arts Club with Virtual Fridays on the Fringe
  • Teaming up with Capital Theatres, LMNS provides dementia friendly tea-party
  • National Galleries of Scotland and LMNS continue to work in partnership on lockdown concert series

As we adjust to the new normal, Live Music Now Scotland (LMNS) is embracing the change this festival season with a programme of inclusive, online and in person events that extends into September.

From tea parties catering for those with dementia, to a continued collaboration as part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe, LMNS is excited to shake off the difficulties of the past year by bringing even more live music, to even more people.

Collaborating once again this summer, Live Music Now Scotland and the Scottish Arts Club are joining forces for Virtual Fridays on the Fringe, an online concert bringing audiences from all over Edinburgh, the UK and even the world, the sound of Scotland this summer.

Taking place this Friday (13 August), fiddler Euan McLaughlin and guitarist Nicky Kirk will be taking to the digital stage with a selection of folk and traditional tunes from 6.30pm.

Part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Virtual Fridays on the Fringe is produced by Fika Productions for the Scottish Arts Club.

Throughout the pandemic the LMNS team has been working hard to keep live music in the lives of those who would otherwise not, even at the best of times, get the chance to enjoy it. Achieved by embracing the power of Zoom and, as restriction lifted, even occasionally the power of the outdoor gazebo, LMNS continues to find new ways to herald in the return to live.

This summer two significant projects, one supported by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the other by Morton Charitable Trust, continue to bring live music (and in-the-flesh LMNS musicians!) to residential homes in Edinburgh and four Erskine homes for veterans.

Fiddler Jamie MacDonald and guitarist Nicky Kirk entertained residents at Murrayfield House Care Home to hugely positive feedback from all involved.

One Murrayfield House Care Home staff member said: “Jamie and Nicky were fantastic. They gave a flawless performance. They interacted with the residents who enjoyed the outdoor performance. Staff were happy to see residents in the garden and see how happy they were.”

On Monday 23 August LMNS is delighted to be joining Capital Theatres for a dementia friendly Tea Party. Taking place online audiences are encouraged grab a cuppa, and favourite sarnie or a scone, and join in on YouTube for a sing-a-long and some dancing.

And, once again teaming up with the National Galleries of Scotland for its lockdown concert series, LMNS continues to support those living with dementia across Scotland, with an online and dementia friendly session. With both musicians and audiences joining in from the comfort of their own homes, these soothing sets are suitable for everyone of any age and are entirely free.

It is not only the ears of the older generation being treated to LMNS live music this summer. 

YouthLink Summer of Play by YouthLink Scotland (the national agency for youth work) in Kirkcaldy saw young people with additional support needs enjoy live, in person performances by a range of LMNS musicians including Kaitlin Ross, Sally Simpson, Valerie Barr, Aidan Moodie and Robbie Greig.

Later in the year, from Monday 27 September – Friday 1 October, working with Aberdeenshire Council Youth Music Initiative (YMI), LMNS musicians will take to the road in Aberdeenshire, bringing music to ten schools across the region.

Harpist Lucie Hendry and fiddler Sally Simpson are the latest LMNS musicians to take part in the initiative which aims to create access to high quality music making opportunities for young people.

Created by the Scottish Government and administered by Creative Scotland, YMI offers young people the chance to achieve their potential in or through music making, while supporting the development of the youth music sector.

Carol Main MBE, Director at Live Music Now Scotland, said: “We are delighted that live music is coming back across the country post pandemic.

“There is a fantastic range of events and opportunities for our musicians to take part in this summer, and it is testament to the hard work of venues – be they concert halls or care homes – that these are starting to take place in person, as well as online.

“We continue to work with some exceptional establishments who provide support for those with additional support needs of all ages, and it is heart-warming to hear how much music has been missed and how impactful its return has been for so many.”

Teaching union welcomes school re-opening plans

Following the announcement from the First Minister on the reopening of Scotland’s schools, EIS Assistant Secretary David Belsey said: “The EIS welcomes the Scottish Government plans for schools to reopen with broadly the same mitigations in place as when they closed earlier this year.

“We agree the continued wearing of facemasks, physical distancing measures, effective ventilation of classrooms and good hygiene regimes need to remain in full force.

“The Scottish Government’s acknowledgement of the importance of  strengthening the guidance around ventilation and the additional funding to close any gaps in this provision is extremely welcome and a significant improvement to the current mitigations.

“The completion of vaccination programmes for all school staff is vital and the EIS believes that voluntary vaccination of 12 – 17 year-olds would be sensible and may go some way towards making schools safer places and help to address the anxieties of some young people.

“The six week period of no changes to mitigations will provide a degree of reassurance to school staff and some certainty as to what to expect when returning to classrooms.

“This will also allow for meaningful consultation between Scottish Government, Local Authorities and teachers’ unions before any further changes. The EIS will study the new guidance and seek to address any emerging issues with the Scottish Government and employers.”

Vaccines for 16-17 year olds: roll out begins

Drop-in clinics will begin to offer Pfizer vaccines to 16 and 17 year olds this weekend, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf confirmed yesterday.

The Scottish Government has written to health boards to say that this age group can now be vaccinated in drop-ins, provided staff training and information resources are in place. Availability will be advertised locally before the full national roll-out on Tuesday.

Anyone in this age group who lives in mainland Scotland can also book an appointment via the online portal at NHS Inform. Eligible young people in Shetland, Orkney and Western Isles will be contacted by their health board and invited to attend clinics.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “In line with the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), those who are 16 and 17 will be offered a first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

“We know that drop-in clinics make it easier for young people to fit getting vaccinated into their busy lives. I am therefore pleased to announce that some clinics will be able to start to offer 16-17 year olds the Pfizer vaccine this weekend. Arrangements differ across the country, and you should check your local health board’s social media channels to see what is available in your local area.

“Then, from Tuesday 10 August, all drop-in clinics in Scotland that offer the Pfizer vaccine will be open to 16-17-year-olds.

“I would urge all eligible young people to take up the offer of vaccination. You can find out where your nearest drop-in clinics are by visiting NHS Inform which will direct you to the latest information from your local health board – or through your local board’s social media channels.

“Our route out of this pandemic is getting as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible, that is why I am urging young people to take up the offer of the vaccine by dropping into a clinic or by booking an appointment.”

Lockdown Lowdown: Job satisfaction soars amongst young Scots – but two fifths worry about future prospects

A new study examining the impact of lockdowns on Scotland’s young people has revealed that over two-thirds (67%) feel positive about their current employment situation as lockdown eases, but only two-fifths of Scottish students are confident about securing future employment. 

Commissioned by the Scottish Government and delivered by the Scottish Youth Parliament, YouthLink Scotland and Young Scot, the study of nearly 2,500 young people serves as a follow-up to previous surveys that explored young people’s concerns in response to the pandemic.

The latest LockdownLowdown research examines the lasting impact of lockdowns and comes as many young people return to in-person education and work as lockdown restrictions ease.

The results revealed that job satisfaction among young people has risen since last year, with 67% of young people feeling good about their current job situation – a 12% increase from the previous LockdownLowdown report in the winter.

However, positive sentiment waned when young people were asked about their confidence in finding a job in the future – with 2 in 5 (37%) of those currently in higher education concerned about securing graduate employment.

In general, employment and finances were leading worries among young people, with more than a third (36%) admitting that their work hours had been cut, while a fifth (22%) were placed on furlough, and 18% lost their job entirely. This comes when over a third (36%) don’t know where to access information on financial support.

The Lockdown Lowdown survey identified mental health as a further concern among young people, with over a third (35%) worried about their mental wellbeing and two fifths (40%) not confident about accessing information on mental health and wellbeing.

Following the reopening of schools and learning environments, over three quarters (76%) of young people have returned to in-person education – with 85% happy to be back. However, nearly half of respondents (44%) felt unprepared in the run-up to this year’s assessments, and only 2 in 5 (38%) were confident that the grades determined by their teachers would be delivered fairly.

Nearly 2,500 young people from across Scotland took part in the research that will be used by the Scottish Government and shared with stakeholders, including the NHS and local authorities.

Josh Kennedy MSYP, Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said:“Meaningfully engaging with the views of young people is the only way to ensure that decisions are made with their views and needs at the centre.

“The latest LockdownLowdown report makes it very easy for decision-makers to find out what young people think about restrictions easing. Young people have had an incredibly challenging time over the last year and a half.

“I would encourage every decision-maker in Scotland to look at the views presented in this report and consider them when making decisions about how Scotland comes out of the Pandemic.”

Tim Frew, CEO of YouthLink Scotland, said: “As we strive to return our lives to normal after this really challenging period, it’s vital that government and other decision makers know where young people are at, and their thinking on the pandemic.

“In this latest survey there are very clear messages from young people around anxiety about future employment prospects, mental health remains a significant concern and there are clearly issues about the impact lockdown has had on assessments and results.

“As we continue to come through the pandemic, the voices of young people need to be listened to as we shape the way forward. The findings also show the importance of youth work to many young people, and demonstrates the incredible support youth workers have continued to offer in extremely difficult circumstances.”

Kirsten Urquhart, Interim CEO of Young Scot said: “Given the immense challenges young people have faced throughout the pandemic, it’s no surprise to see rising concern over future employment.

“While a surge in job satisfaction is cause for cautious optimism – we want to reassure young people that Young Scot is here to support every young person with their next steps as we begin to recover from the pandemic.”

£1m to tackle social isolation and loneliness in Scotland

First round of £10 million funding for groups affected by pandemic

Projects supporting carers and disabled people are among nine initiatives that are set to share £1 million to tackle loneliness and isolation as a result of the pandemic.

It comes as part of a £10 million commitment to support a new five-year social isolation and loneliness plan, and marks the delivery of a commitment for the first 100 days of this government.

The funding was announced by Minister for Equalities and Older People Christina McKelvie on a visit to meet members of the Glasgow Disability Alliance, which is receiving money for initiatives including one-to-one counselling and online courses designed to help disabled people stay connected.

Other organisations to benefit include Youthlink, which will receive funding to help young people, and Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, which will use the additional money for its Kindness Caller programme.

Ms McKelvie said: “Research has shown that loneliness and social isolation have increased for some during the pandemic, and we know this has disproportionately affected young people, carers and those with disabilities.

“Whether by providing access to counselling, learning opportunities or just a friendly voice to talk to over the phone, this new funding will help ensure people can stay connected and get the support they need.

“Social isolation and loneliness can affect anyone and can have a harmful effect on people’s health and wellbeing. That is why we are developing a new five-year plan and we will invest £10 million across this parliament.”

Tressa Burke, Glasgow Disability Alliance Chief Executive, said: “We welcome this funding to mitigate brutal inequalities supercharged by the pandemic on disabled people.

“Our member survey and engagement revealed that 82% worry about social isolation and loneliness, 60% face digital exclusion, 80% don’t know where to turn to for help and 90% are worried about physical and mental health.

“The funding enables us to provide vital lifelines, programmes and support including digital coaching, wellbeing support and access to online activities which build confidence, connections and ensure the ongoing contributions of disabled people.”

Tim Frew, YouthLink Scotland Chief Executive, said: “We are not all in the same boat in the storm. The evidence is that this pandemic has been particularly tough on the wellbeing of young people in some of our most marginalised and disenfranchised communities.

“This disproportionate impact must be addressed, to ensure every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

“The youth work sector welcomes this fund from the Scottish Government, which will help to identify young people who have been coping with multiple challenges, such as young carers, and develop projects and programmes to meet their needs.”

The organisations to receive funding are:

  • Age Scotland
  • Befriending Networks
  • British Red Cross
  • Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
  • Glasgow Disability Alliance
  • Homestart
  • Intercultural Youth Scotland
  • MECOPP
  • Youthlink Scotland

Within the first 100 days of this government Ministers committed to start work to develop a new five-year social isolation and loneliness plan backed by £10 million over five years focused on reconnecting people as Scotland comes out of the pandemic and tackling loneliness head on.

This is in addition to the more than £6 million investment to promote equality, social isolation and loneliness, and to promote digital inclusion through the Scottish Government’s winter package of support.

The Scottish Government also invested £4.3 million to tackle social isolation and loneliness through digital inclusion via the Connecting Scotland programme.