Young people in Cumbernauld feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK are being advised to access a specially-created online guide providing free advice and support for those aged 11-26.
Cumbernauld Community Health Information Hub highly recommends a resourceful web portal published by Young Scot which is designed to give young people across Scotland key information, guidance and explanations in relation to coronavirus disease in a simple and jargon-free way.
The online hub, which can be accessed by visiting www.youngscot.org/coronavirus, aims to provide a one-stop shop where young people can better learn about and understand the key elements of coronavirus, including virus prevention, handwashing tips, government information, NHS advice, mental health support and busting some of the rumours, myths and scaremongering about the illness.
It’s understandable for young people, especially those in their teenage years, to be feeling worried, scared and confused by everything that’s being reported about coronavirus right now.
A key message communicated through the platform is that it’s okay for young people to be feeling a little anxious about what’s going on at the moment, especially when things seem uncertain and there are so many news stories and reports. Mary McNeil, Development Manager at Cornerstone House Centre, commented:
“Whatever stage of life we are at, most of us can remember some of the challenges we faced growing up and how difficult it can be to be a teenager at times, even more so now than ever before in this social media age with all sorts of pressures arising from modern-day culture and society.
“Young people in Cumbernauld and across the country have been affected hugely by what’s happening right now regarding coronavirus, with schools closing, exams cancelled, many people being told to self-isolate and everyone having to process new health advice and information thick and fast every day.
“The Young Scot coronavirus information web page is an excellent resource as it is written especially for young people and takes into account all the recognised stresses, concerns and challenges that young people in Scotland are facing right now.
“There are a range of really useful articles and tools on the site which can help young people cope better at this time, including relaxation exercises, how to talk about your feelings, tips for staying positive in a crisis, frequently asked questions and how to handle stress.
“With so much information and misinformation about coronavirus circulating amongst the public and on social media just now, it can be easy for anyone to get puzzled, upset or panicked about the situation. In this respect, the Young Scot portal aims to help 11-26 year-olds establish what is fact and what is not in a clear and straightforward way.”
Supported by Scottish Government, Young Scot is a national intermediary for young people in Scotland. The organisation aims to make young people empowered, incentivised and active citizens through the information it provides.
The charity is well-known for establishing The Young Scot National Entitlement Card, a card which is free of charge to everyone aged 11-26 living in Scotland. Young people can use the card to redeem discounts in shops, access exclusive Young Scot Rewards, support school lunches and receive money off travel.
In addition to the organisation’s welcomed coronavirus information-sharing guide for young people, a bespoke Young Scot North Lanarkshire web page can also be accessed by those living in Cumbernauld.
Young people can also gain factual health advice and information through a dedicated coronavirus section on the NHS Lanarkshire website. Available at www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/coronavirus, the website is a central hub for key resources, links and information from official sources on the current outbreak.