To understand the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the physical and mental health of young people, Healthwatch Kingston, Healthwatch Richmond and Youth Out Loud! designed an 18-question survey. 364 young people responded online to questions about their experiences accessing services.

Overall, the majority of young people reported improved or stable mental health during lockdown. Those aged 15 and 17 experienced worse mental health, with the most common reasons for this being not seeing friends and loved ones, an increase in school stressors and “time to think”.

“I used to be distracted by going out all the time and hanging out with friends so I could avoid my eating problems but now I can’t”

Physical exercise was a key factor in maintaining good physical health; most of those who didn’t or couldn’t pursue it reported worse or much worse physical health.

“before lockdown I’d walk 2 miles to school every day and once a week go swimming, but I don’t do very much of this now”

Whilst most people found that healthcare were largely unchanged during the lockdown, young people with health conditions and/or disabilities were disproportionately impacted and said that the service they received was worse.

“Had a phone call doctors appointment but I’ve still got the same problem but it needs to be actually looked at in person so I can’t really do much.”