We are pleased to share that findings from the Co-SPACE study feature prominently in the recently published report Children and Young People: The impact of the pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people (Module 8). The report, prepared by Associate Professor Tamsin Newlove-Delgado and Professor Cathy Creswell for the UK COVID-19 Inquiry, reviews how children and young people were affected during the pandemic and what lessons can be learned for the future.
Co-SPACE evidence played an important role in the report by:
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Tracking change over time – showing how children’s behavioural, emotional and attentional difficulties increased during lockdowns and improved when restrictions eased.
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Highlighting inequalities – identifying that primary-aged children, those with special educational needs or neurodevelopmental conditions, and children living in lower-income or single-parent households experienced the greatest challenges.
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Providing rapid insights – offering regular, real-time updates during the pandemic, which were used by policymakers and services to inform decisions on support for children and families.
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Complementing other datasets – sitting alongside NHS Digital’s Mental Health of Children and Young People (MHCYP) surveys and other research to give a fuller picture of the impact on different age groups and communities.
The report also underlines the importance of continuing to monitor children’s mental health, reducing inequalities in access to support, and ensuring that schools and community services are better protected in any future public health emergencies.
We are grateful to all the families who took part in Co-SPACE and made this vital evidence possible.
You can read the full Module 8 report: https://covid19.public-inquiry.uk/documents/inq000587958-report-from-mental-health-expert-titled-module-8-children-and-young-people-the-impact-of-the-pandemic-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-of-children-and-young-people-dated-august-20/