The coronavirus has had a devastating effect on education – from schools closed, to end-of-term tests postponed, to exams cancelled. The impact of the lock down has caused many in the education sector to voice concerns over the overall consequences of the pandemic on young people.

We currently live in a technology driven world, and some young people already experience the social isolation associated with an over-reliance on the internet and mobile devices. It is becoming evident that the increased seclusion caused by the lock down has put the mental health of many young people at risk. While we do not fully understand the damaging long-term consequences of the lock down and the lack of physical contact among young people, medical professionals are already reporting a rise in mental health problems such as anxiety, fear, loneliness and depression as a result of school closures during the pandemic.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people worldwide, and it is therefore vital that we all take responsibility for caring for those around us at this difficult time. Many young people have experienced serious illness or losses connected to COVID-19 and they may need extra support and attention. In order to provide support to schools, All Resources has produced a resource pack that examines COVID-19 through a number of subjects in an honest and practical way. “After COVID-19 – Returning to Education after the Coronavirus” uses the coronavirus as a catalyst to introduce different topics and young people are encouraged to discuss their fears and concerns and recognise the impact of COVID-19 via different viewpoints and settings. It comes as a main resource pack with 8 topics including lesson plans and worksheets, or as a series of one-off lesson plans, each one covering a different subject. This a great way of ensuring all young people have the opportunity to talk about their experiences, fears and concerns in an open and supportive environment.