AN INCREASE in the number of referrals to Youth in Mind and Mind in Bradford has been recorded since the start of the first lockdown.

The pandemic has had a significant impact on young people’s mental health with many feeling isolated, lonely and anxious due to the changes lockdown has brought.

Youth in Mind, which Mind in Bradford is also a part of, provide mental and emotional wellbeing services across the Bradford and Craven district.

Working collaboratively with a number of organisations in the region allows the system to develop and provide young people with the services that they need.

Masira Hans, who works at Mind in Bradford said: “Active outreach programmes have allowed us to reach a diverse range of people, but we can always reach more people.

“Some communities may find it harder to access mental health services, due to barriers such as systemic racism and additional language needs, but we are looking at ways to tackle these barriers.”

Accessing mental health services can be difficult but with the start of the new school year, Mind in Bradford, as well as several other organisations are anticipating an increase in referrals.

Masira said: “More young people are becoming aware of their mental health and wanting access appropriate support.

“The pandemic has impacted some young people more than others for many reasons, such as having to relearn social skills.”

Schools are working alongside organisations to get young people the help they need.

Organisations such as Mind in Bradford, are working with Bradford Youth Service, Inspired Neighbourhoods, Barnardo’s, and many other organisations under the Youth in Mind Partnership to help increase the number of people reached.