Read our 'Devalued by forces beyond your control' report based on interviews with young people supported by Barnardo's, on their experiences of the first national lockdown in response to COVID-19 in 2020.
When COVID-19 struck, daily routines and provision of support services dramatically and suddenly changed. In this report, young people talk about feeling less supported, feeling like their life is on hold, struggling with boredom, a lack of routine and a lack of social contact.
Our findings:
Based on interviews with 113 young people aged 13-25 supported by Barnardo’s, this research highlights how the first national COVID-19 lockdown posed immense challenges for some young people, leaving many feeling less supported, and struggling with boredom, a lack of routine, and a lack of social contact.
Young person during lockdown
Young person during lockdown
Looking ahead to the future:
In considering a post-pandemic future, young people express a vision for a more equal, caring, and understanding world, with greater accountability of governments and wealthy business owners, and more attention to the environmental crisis. They also demonstrate concern for other groups, such as the elderly and key workers, and a key role for governments to provide more support for vulnerable and marginalised communities both during and after lockdown.