Now healing must begin

NOT enough has been said about how we can collectively address the long-term damage the virus crisis will do to young people’s chances.

A whole generation is now waiting anxiously to see how the crisis will play out.

A second wave of the virus could mean new lockdown measures affecting their education, or preventing them enjoying a fresh start at university or a new job.

Lockdown means they have endured unprecedented disruption and isolation. This has damaged confidence in the young and increased mental health issues.

These challenges could reverberate for decades.

Businesses, charities and schools should work closely with the Government to start the healing process.

It’s great to see businesses stepping forward, offering mentoring, work experience placements and support schemes in some areas to enrich the young’s education.

But we need more of that across all of our regions.