Column by Helen March, chair of Stroud District Youth Council.

ONE thing that has been certain is that Stroud District Youth Council (SDYC) has continued to meet regularly and remain as functional as possible, given the current circumstances.

We have continued to meet virtually on a weekly basis, having both leadership and project team meetings. Alongside us throughout, has been our youth work team (from Stroud District Council). In June, SDYC released a statement regarding the Black Lives Matter campaign. SDYC are fully supportive of the movement and believe that it is essential that every young person’s voice is heard.

We strive to fully represent the diversity of our district community – so if you want to have a say please get in touch! Our email address is youth@stroud.gov.uk

As a member organisation of the British Youth Council (BYC), we have interacted with them via video meetings. One prominent topic in both our SDYC and BYC meetings, is the impact which the pandemic has had on our education. Despite the increased anxiety due to uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, our mental health and our formal education seem to be on a collision course.

Prior to the official summer break from school, many young people struggled with working from home. Whilst every household has had challenges, young people not having access to devices or even adequate Wi-Fi has been significant – both being real examples of inequality. Concerns from young people about the amount of school work they were given, have been numerous. Many were feeling a lot of pressure to get everything done - anxiety still exists and good mental health is a rarity. Whilst it is important that young people’s formal education is maintained and preparations are made for exams over the next year or so, it is also essential that our mental health is understood and taken into consideration.