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Epping Forest Youth Councillors presented the results of their lockdown survey to Cabinet members in October.
Nearly 400 young people across Epping Forest district completed the survey over 3 weeks in July 2020.
Results
The survey showed that during lockdown mental health and the effects that missing school will have on their futures were the biggest concerns for the young people in the district.
Many reported they have found that using various video chat and social media apps to connect with friends, family and school classmates useful and a great way to stay in touch with loved ones.
#yoursay survey also found that many of the district’s young people used their time throughout lockdown to learn a new skill and that it made them appreciate their family and friends more.
Epping Forest Youth Council
The current Epping Forest Youth Council were all elected in April 2020 during the first national lockdown and have only had their regular meetings virtually. There are 25 members, representing 9 secondary schools in the district
Back in May 2020, the Youth Councillors put together a short film about how they were feeling, they expressed their concerns about coronavirus and spoke of ways to cope during the pandemic. It was the topics and feelings raised in this video that led to the #yoursay survey and the youth councillors reaching out to others of similar age at such a challenging time.
New exciting youth projects
Councillor Holly Whitbread, responsible for Housing and Community services said:
I’m very impressed with the maturity our youth councillors have shown when dealing with the mental and emotional struggles that have been a part of the pandemic, and how they have supported each other and their peers.
As a result of the #yoursay questionnaire, many new exciting youth projects are being developed; including the relaunch of the Youth Council’s Mi Life website with additional resources around Covid 19.
As a former youth councillor, I am so proud to see the Youth Council continually working hard to provide a younger perspective for Epping Forest District Council and give a voice to the young people in our district.
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