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The youth sector can play a \u201ckey role\u201d in helping young people whose mental health and well-being has been damaged during the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been claimed.<\/p>\nThe youth sector can play a \u201ckey role\u201d in helping young people whose mental health and well-being has been damaged during the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been claimed.<\/p>\n
As youth services begin to resume over the summer months, senior civil servant Liz Canavan said that a number of programs will offer young people \u201cpurpose and structure\u201d.<\/p>\n
It comes after a survey found that young adults are feeling more depressed and dissatisfied about relationships during the pandemic.<\/p>\n
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) survey reported a fall in the number of people who said their overall life satisfaction was \u201chigh\u201d.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday updated guidance was published for youth organisations on resuming services in line with the Government\u2019s roadmap out of lockdown.<\/p>\n
\u201cYouth services can resume face-to-face group work with up to four young people indoors and up to 12 young people outdoors,\u201d Ms Canavan said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom phase three onwards, indoor group work will take place with up to 12 young people.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis approach aligns with the school aged child care provision which can be indoors or outdoors for up to 12 children from phase three.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe National Youth Council of Ireland in partnership with government has also produced online induction training for staff and volunteers to support the phased resumption of full services.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince the very beginning of the Covid crisis youth services have been working to maintain supports, particularly to vulnerable young people most in need.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are continuing to work with the sector representatives and colleagues on issues such as access to facilities, and the further contribution of the youth sector to the overall government well being initiative as it relates to young people.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is an opportunity for the youth sector to play a key role over the summer in terms of services and programs that offer purpose, structure, social connectedness and enhanced health and well being, as well as overall social and emotional development for young people.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Ms Canavan also said that the process to resume normal health services is under way.<\/p>\n
Since the outbreak of Covid-19, a large number health services were either cancelled, postponed or reorganized to cope with the pandemic.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince May 18 this process is starting to be reversed.<\/p>\n
\u201cServices that may have been curtailed, such as non-urgent or planned procedures, outpatient consultations, some primary care and home support services are now being reintroduced,\u201d Ms Canavan added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat reintroduction is being done with the protection of staff and patients in mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can see a return to non-Covid levels of service in emergency departments and in hospitals overall.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to see that return continue.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf people have queries both their care, they can contact their parents or team or their GP for information.\u201d<\/p>\n