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During the lockdown, Healthwatch Enfield engaged with young adults (aged 15-25) in Enfield to understand how the coronavirus outbreak had been impacting them. This work was carried out via an online survey.

Key findings included: many young adults surveyed said the main impact of the coronavirus pandemic was on their mental health; having to self-teach and impose self-discipline in a context with little or no routine, as well as a lack of clarity around changes to schools and exams had a strong impact on their mental health. Those with existing health conditions expressed concerns about accessing the care and support they needed in a timely manner.

Based on their findings, Healthwatch Enfield made five recommendations to commissioners and the local CCG to:

• Conduct more detailed research to understand the needs of young people, including virtual support.
• Ensure that information and advice provided is clear and accessible.
• Work through the backlog of appointments and offer face to face sessions, in addition to virtual ones, where possible.
• Explore community and peer support options to lessen the dependency on specialist resources.
• Continue working with schools and colleges, promoting their involvement in understanding and supporting young adults' mental health, particularly for those who have underlying disabilities or mental health conditions, so that a part of the curriculum can be flexibly focused around emotional health and wellbeing where appropriate.

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20200730_Enfield_Understanding the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak on young adults in Enfield.pdf