01/06/2026
During COVID, I was one of several young people involved in shaping a series of events based on a research project, exploring the impact of lockdown on young people’s mental health.
As part of the project, we were then given the opportunity to co-produce a film based on the findings and our experiences.
About the film "When lockdown brings 17-year-old Matt’s world to a standstill, isolation and digital exclusion begin to take their toll. As he retreats further into himself, an unexpected moment could change everything."
The film was created through a collaboration between West London NHS Trust, Inner Eye Productions and Imperial College London, with funding from the Burdett Trust for Nursing.
Last week, I had the opportunity to travel down to London for a screening of the film and to take part in a panel discussion and Q&A afterwards. We reflected on the long-term impacts of lockdown and discussed what we, as a society, need to do differently if we ever face a similar situation again.
I spoke about digital poverty, the disproportionate impact on people living in deprived communities, and how poverty often exacerbates challenges such as poor mental health. I also highlighted the importance of recognising socio-economic disadvantage as a protected characteristic within equality law.
It was a really special evening, a chance to reflect, challenge, and share experiences, and I was proud to represent and shout out Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees!
