Survey on In isolation instead of in school (INISS) | 23 Sep 2020
How do young people in Scotland feel about COVID-19, school closures and exam cancellations?
In isolation instead of in school (INISS) is a study asking young people from every Scottish community to share their experiences of Covid 19 and the effects of school closures and national exam cancellations on mental health and wellbeing.
UNICEF UK, Scottish Government and University of Edinburgh are partnering to deliver this study.
The results will be used by Scottish Government to help support secondary school pupils in response to the pandemic. UNICEF will use the results to help other countries support young people facing these same challenges.
The study has two parts – a survey and group interviews. You can find out more here.
Check out other reports for the Rapid Research in Covid-19 Programme on NHS Scotland website.
Would you like advice and support?
Where to speak to someone about mental health
- Give Us A Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer 24/7.
- SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health): You can find details of their local services, information about mental ill health and sign-posting by getting in touch. Available: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday Phone: 0141 530 1000, Email: enquire@samh.org.uk
- Samaritans: 24-hour confidential helpline offering emotional support for anyone feeling down, distressed, or struggling to cope. Phone: 116 123, Email: jo@samaritans.org, Visit: www.samaritans.org
- Childline: 24-hour confidential helpline offering emotional support to anyone . Phone: 0800 1111, Online chat (9am – 10.30pm): www.childline.org.uk/get-support/1-2-1-counsellor-chat/, Online messaging board: www.childline.org.uk/get-support/message-boards/, Visit: www.childline.org.uk/
- Living Life to The Full: Free online courses covering low mood and stress and all of the common linked problems this causes. Email: enquiries@livinglifetothefull.com
- Breathing space: A free, confidential phone and web-based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. Opening hours Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am and Weekend: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am. Phone 0800 83 85 87, website: http://breathingspace.scot/
- General Practitioner (GP): You can speak to your GP about problems with your child’s mood.
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). CAMHS is used as a term for all services that work with children and young people who have difficulties with their emotional or behavioural wellbeing. Speak to your GP for a referral. https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/mental-health-services/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-services-camhs/
Online information resources
- YoungScot: AyeFeel is an online collection of information about how to look after your emotional wellbeing, and available support from organisations around Scotland. Visit: https://young.scot/campaigns/national/aye-feel
Coronavirus specific support
- MQ: Coronavirus (Covid-19) and your mental health. If you are feeling concerned or overwhelmed by the coronavirus outbreak or news related to Covid-19, MQ have created a list of steps you can take if you are feeling anxious. Visit: https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/what-to-do-if-you-re-anxious-about-coronavirus/
- MIND: Coronavirus and your wellbeing. If you are feeling stressed or findings things difficult throughout the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, here is a list of things you can do to try and help your wellbeing. Visit: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
- Childline: Includes information and resources about how to cope with social distancing, worries about school, and what to do if you think you might have coronavirus. Visit: https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/anxiety-stress-panic/worries-about-the-world/coronavirus/
- YoungScot: Signposts to mental health support for young carers during the coronavirus outbreak. Includes up to date guidance on living with someone who is shielding. Visit: https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/anxiety-stress-panic/worries-about-the-world/coronavirus/
Emergency services
- For emergency services (police, ambulance, fire services), phone 101 or 999
- Police services can be contacted via https://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/