When the COVID-19 crisis closed schools and our face-to-face programmes were put on hold, we were determined to transition quickly to support as many young people as we could through online delivery. First we needed to understand the reactions and needs of the young people and communities we serve as lockdowns were announced. We launched a survey of young people’s views and put a call out to Teens and Toddlers graduates and Young Leaders participants, parents/carers, teachers and support workers. Over 60 came forward to be interviewed. We began to understand additional needs caused by the pandemic, and at the same time were able to surface voices that are often overlooked by the media.
One of the results of our research was our pandemic crisis response programme Power2 Rediscover.
Click below to hear from our young people and their support teams, and about how we responded.
The Daily Mirror have featured our 'Life in Lockdown' conversations with young people to give a flavour of how they've been affected by lockdown and school closures. Read more
Ashanti (17), one of the members of our London Youth Panel, speaks on how lockdown has affected her mental health, but also given her time to rethink her future and make some big decisions. Read more
61% of young people are now more worried about their futures. See our full survey results on young people's experiences of lockdown, and their needs and concerns for going back to school. Read more
Power2 frontline staff (Leah, Mark and Scarlett) reflect on their experiences of speaking to young people throughout lockdown and what they've observed and learned. Read more
Paige (15) discusses her experiences of lockdown and the impact it's had on her schoolwork, her wellbeing and her future. Read more
Zoe and Carly (both 13) talk about the challenges they've faced during lockdown and how it has affected their emotional wellbeing. Read more
Kemoy Walker, the Year 9 Pastoral Manager at St Matthew’s RC High School, shares his thoughts and experiences about the mental health challenges for young people during lockdown. Read more
Amy and Bethany (both 15) from our Young Leaders programme share their experiences of lockdown and school closure, and how it has impacted them. Read more
Will Cole, Head of Impact & Programme Development, shares what Power2 are doing in response to the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19 and why he expects us to emerge from this crisis stronger and better. Read more