We all know how disruptive the pandemic has been for the education of children and young people. While past initiatives have worked to plug these gaps, one group is falling by the wayside even as we all return to life-as-usual: Long COVID Kids.
Last month, the ONS published its findings that at least 149,000 children and young people are currently living with Long COVID, 31,000 of whom are still experiencing symptoms after 12 months of continued illness. Despite this disease burden, Long COVID support pathways are massively underdeveloped for young people: many fall through the cracks between paediatric and adult services and Long COVID Clinics are rarely geared up for supporting those under 16 years. Furthermore, with class back in session, remote support for those unable to attend school in person has begun to be rolled back just as these children need it most.
As a Long COVID patient and a former tutor, I can see how this illness would create the perfect storm for young people. Beyond the fact that no child should have to contend with an unknown illness, today's ruthless university admissions process and job market means that the more time a young person is away from the classroom, the more they stand to lose. But for many, going to school now feels like an insurmountable challenge. That's why, in partnership with Long COVID Kids and Oppidan Education, I am taking on the Three Peaks Challenge (https://www.threepeakschallenge.uk) to raise funds to subsidise tuition for those still out of school who are most in need of 1-to-1 support in the run up to this year's exam season. I am delighted that Oppidan Education (https://www.oppidaneducation.com) is offering their own mentors (either in-person or via zoom). Likewise, partnering with Long COVID Kids (https://www.longcovidkids.org) will help me raise awareness of this new bursary and allocate support most appropriately.
As a Long COVID patient and a former tutor, I can see how this illness would create the perfect storm for young people. Beyond the fact that no child should have to contend with an unknown illness, today's ruthless university admissions process and job market means that the more time a young person is away from the classroom, the more they stand to lose. But for many, going to school now feels like an insurmountable challenge. That's why, in partnership with Long COVID Kids and Oppidan Education, I am taking on the Three Peaks Challenge (https://www.threepeakschallenge.uk) to raise funds to subsidise tuition for those still out of school who are most in need of 1-to-1 support in the run up to this year's exam season. I am delighted that Oppidan Education (https://www.oppidaneducation.com) is offering their own mentors (either in-person or via zoom). Likewise, partnering with Long COVID Kids (https://www.longcovidkids.org) will help me raise awareness of this new bursary and allocate support most appropriately.
Even one mentorship session - be it on exam technique, time-keeping or that most elusive thing, solving for X - can make all the difference to these children's lives. So, please, consider donating to this cause today or amplifying it across your network and together we can make sure that these young people's futures aren't another casualty of this pandemic.
Organiser
Meredith Leston
Organiser
England
Long Covid Kids and Friends
Beneficiary