The impact of the pandemic on health and wellbeing goes far beyond the direct effects of someone catching COVID-19 itself. The effects on young people’s mental health were non-trivial1 – increased reports of anxiety, sleep problems and panic attacks were seen across all ages,2 and concerns about school, college and university also increased.3
A record number of children and young people were referred to mental health services in 2021, with referrals increasing by 134% between April and June compared to the same period in 2020 and a 96% increase from 2019.4 The pandemic also burdened many of those with existing mental health problems: with 67% of 13- and 25-year-olds with a history of mental health needs reporting the pandemic would have a long- term negative impact on their mental health.5
