The Lockdown Life Project – How Do Our Young People Feel in Lockdown?
Our young people have had important milestones taken away such as completing exams, the last day of school and the end of year prom. Routines, hobbies, and physical connections with friends have all been impacted by lockdown too. These all play an integral part in their personal development and can have a real impact on their health and wellbeing. The Lockdown Life project by Chester-based not-for-profit organisation 2engage aims to give young people, aged 10-18, across the UK a creative outlet to express how lockdown has impacted their life. Entries can be in the form of a video, voice recording, image or photograph; it could be art, a poem, the spoken-word or a diary entry. Alternatively, it could be a script, soundscape, song, musical composition or performance, a dance or even a comedy sketch. Ed Morris, co-founder and director of 2engage, explained: "The project is about helping young people to make sense of the world we are currently living in, using creative approaches. We hope to unite young people in digital communities but with more sincerity and significance than social media platforms like TikTok. We want to celebrate creativity but ultimately prove we are in this together." The project will be launched on Thursday, May 7 with three weeks for young people to create and submit their lockdown entry via the 2engage website or Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok. Consent from the young person or their parent/guardian if under 14 will be requested on submission of their entry via the 2engage website. Once received, 2engage will compile the entries in creative short videos and potentially other digital forms. The video will then be shared with those who feature, enabling them to showcase their piece of work in their school, college, or university, as well as on social media. Ed added: "We want the final edit to be a reminder to the community of how they felt during the unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and help them in the future see how they have adapted to life after the lockdown’s lifted. "We also want to be able to offer a donation to causes that are part of helping young people through lockdown, so each entry will see £1 donated to Childline." Project outcomes will be sent to schools and higher education settings across the UK to inform those who safeguard these young people and help them understand what they have been through. It’s hoped this will assist them in managing youngsters’ fears, expectations and emotions once they return to whatever the world looks like after Covid-19. Website: https://2engage.co.uk/lockdownlife/ Facebook/TikTok/Instagram: @lockdownlifeproject
