A focus on the young in cities like Bradford should be the ‘new normal’ – Huma Malik

The coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on all of our lives from our work to our mental health. Young people are bearing the brunt of this – transitioning into becoming an adult can be a challenging time, and the added pressure caused by Covid-19 has made this so much more apparent.

The impact on the recent A-level exam results being a prime example of this. The next generation in Yorkshire and across the country need support now.

The dramatic changes to our lives caused by lockdown have had a real impact on my emotional wellbeing, especially at the start of the pandemic, and I know that this is true for many young people in my local area.

I am a social person and my work in engagement in the NHS usually requires a lot of face to face interaction. Both my work and my social life have now moved online, and like many young people during lockdown, I have found it hard to adapt and to motivate myself.

Building strong relationships with people who support you is so key when you are a younger and this has been made really difficult by not being able to meet up with people. Lots of relationships, both with friends and colleagues, have moved online and I don’t think I am the only one who struggles without those simple and real connections, something as small as just having a takeaway with friends.

There was already a mental health crisis facing our generation in the UK, and if we do not come together to support the most vulnerable young people, we risk damaging their future health. It is no surprise that young people are feeling lonelier during this time when social interaction with those outside your household is removed.

There is a real feeling of uneasiness at the moment but, hopefully, there’s some light at the end of the tunnel as people start to safely see their friends and family. As we look to the future, we need to make sure we are making it easy for people to make those connections with people again.

I’m determined to get back to normal, but at the moment things are changing quickly for everyone and it still feels hazy and uneasy. Youth services have also had to go virtual and these services are vital for young people to build relationships and learn new skills.

I am one of the lucky ones, I’ve got a good secure job and live at home with my parents. The same can’t be said for lots of young people in Yorkshire and across the UK – the recent ONS employment data showed that younger workers have been the worst affected by the crisis.

Over the past few years, I’ve been involved as a peer researcher for the Health Foundation’s Young People’s Future Health Inquiry which aimed to explore whether those aged 12-24 are getting the support they need for a healthy move into adulthood.

It has been clear to me during the research that there are a lot of young people who don’t have secure housing or fulfilling work opportunities, and this is putting their future health at risk. The approach to this generation needs to change as we are the doctors, builders, and teachers of tomorrow. We need support and we need it now.

I still live with my parents because I don’t want to rent, and I’d rather move straight into owning my own property. I want to start building my life as an adult, move out of my parents and become totally ondependent and more needs to be done by Government at a national and local level to make it easier for young people to get onto the property ladder.

I feel like there’s an opportunity now to rebuild our society in a way that better helps young people to achieve their goals and move towards a healthier future.

Bradford reflects its population by trying to focus on the needs of young people, but this should be the norm across the country. We have such a diverse range of communities in Bradford and that throws up some challenges.

Making sure young people from all backgrounds are supported now and in the future must be the main priority for us all moving forward.

Huma Malik is from Bradford and has been a part of the Young People’s Future Health Inquiry.

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Thank you

James Mitchinson