Lack of open facilities damaging young people’s mental health, charity warns June 24, 2021, 12:04 am
YouthLink Scotland says the lack of available facilities is further impacting young people across Scotland (YouthLink Scotland/PA)
The lack of access to venues and facilities in Scotland could risk doing further damage to the mental health and employment prospects of young people, a charity has warned.
A survey of 220 youth organisations and local authorities by YouthLink Scotland found just 22% have had full access to the necessary facilities, despite the latest government guidance allowing indoor and face-to-face youth work to resume.
The poll also found that 88% of youth groups wanting to access leisure centres are unable to do so, including 94% of third sector organisations.
Youthwork sector demands parties ‘step up’ with increased funding for services
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Politicians from all parties are being urged to “step up” their support for youth workers, as the sector warned it was in a “precarious” position.
In the run up to May’s planned Holyrood election, the organisation YouthLink Scotland said all parties must commit to investing in youth services – warning without this young people could be hit even harder by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.