The UK entered its third national lockdown on 6 January, closing schools and workplaces after weeks of stay-at-home Government guidance, Tiered regions, and cancelled family Christmases.
Almost three weeks after schools closed, the London Assembly Health Committee is investigating what impact the pandemic is having on young Londoners’ mental health and wellbeing.
The Children’s Commissioner for England said that the first lockdown was devastating for the mental health and wellbeing of young people. The Health Committee will examine if the support in place works for young Londoners, particularly young people who are carers, disabled or from below average income homes.
Tomorrow, the Health Committee will be addressed by the Chair of the London Youth Assembly, Sumaiya Bangura, who will give testimony to the experiences of the Youth Assembly, youth councils and school children.
The guests are:
- Nick Harrop, Head of External Affairs, Young Minds
- Laura Bennett, Head of External Affairs, Carers Trust
- Sumaiya Bangura, Chair of the London Youth Assembly
- Rosemary Watt-Wyness, Chief Executive, London Youth
- Simon Thompson, CEO, Mind in Brent, Wandsworth and Westminster
- Gemma Antoniak, Clinical Team Lead (CYP Service), Mind in Brent, Wandsworth and Westminster
- Benn Keaveney, CEO, Mind in Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow
- Nana Owusu, Head of Youth Services/Mental Health Support Team Clinical Lead, Mind in Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow
The meeting will take place on Thursday, 28 January from 10am. In line with government advice, this meeting will take place virtually.
Media and members of the public can watch the meeting live here.
Notes to editors
- Full agenda papers.
- Dr Onkar Sahota AM, Chair of the Health Committee is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Health Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more information, please contact the media team on 07849 308 317. For out-of-hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.