A joint project between University College London and Imperial College London is seeking responses from young adults aged 16-24 as part of an online study into how COVID-19 is affecting the lives, mental health and well-being of this important cohort of our society.

In a letter outlining the project, Dr Lee Hudson, a consultant paediatrician and adolescent physician at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and an associate professor at the UCL institute of Child Health, explains that this is an academic study, not commercial, and the results will be used for academic research only. The study aims to involve as many young adults as possible across the UK.

Dr Hudson explains that the results of the study are important in understanding the needs of young adults during the pandemic, and “moving forward for policy and healthcare”. He notes that young people in this age range “tend to fall between the cracks in terms of health provision but also in having a voice,” which he and his colleagues feel could leave people vulnerable both in terms of mental health and in the impact on their education and employment.

The online study is anonymous and consists of an initial survey which takes about 15-20 minutes, asking about your current life, health and well-being and how these have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. After this, participants “will be sent shorter follow-up surveys by email every 2 weeks for 2 months, and then every month after that until the end of the main Coronavirus pandemic period and a bit beyond. You do not have to participate every time (though it will really help if you do!), and can leave out any questions you do not wish to answer (we only need your age in years)”.

The link is below. Please share with any groups or individuals who may wish to contribute.

YouCope young adult study UCL