Features / Bristol Horn Youth Concern
The challenge of supporting young people through pandemic
Usually playing out in the city’s sports halls and grounds, Bristol Youth Horn Concern uses sport to engage young people and boost leadership skills.
But a new reality is now facing the organisation and those it supports, many of whom are living in overcrowded flats with no gardens while coronavirus lockdown measures prevent them from going out for more than a short stint each day.
“It is a challenge,” admits Khalil Abdi, who along with his team are working round the clock to provide essential support and often a lifeline for families during the pandemic.
is needed now More than ever
“We would usually do a lot of activities with them, but we have had to change the way we work. We are doing one to one phone support to make sure the young people we work with maintain their health and wellbeing. We give advice on staying healthy and active and keeping up with education.
“There are a lot of young people living in overcrowded flats in the inner city areas. They are used to going out to school and spending time with their friends and going out to play – that’s all changed now and that’s the challenge.
“We have to still be there for them. It’s also about showing that we care and we are here during a difficult time. If they need help getting food for their family or with education or health care, we are here and can direct them to additional support available.”
Khalil Abdi and his team are working to provide vital support links within communities. Photo by Ellie Pipe
Marvin Rees said there are more than 10,000 households living in blocks in Bristol who do not have access to their own gardens.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, the mayor said the council’s director of public health, Christina Gray, will be talking to the NHS and Public Health England to ensure the city gets a full understanding of the affects of the outbreak on different groups – both in terms of the virus itself and the impact of the lockdown measures.
He said: “Coronavirus is not indiscriminate. It disproportionately falls on the shoulders of the most vulnerable people in the poorest housing.”
Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire, who has recently been appointed the shadow secretary for housing, has also highlighted the worrying impact of overcrowded housing conditions.
Bristol Horn Youth Concern, and many other grassroots organisations across the city, are working to provide a vital link between communities, support networks and information.
Creative Youth Network has supplied a number of iPads for free to families. Khalil says the gift has been a lifeline for some families.
He believes information is key and, along with Afzal Shah, a Labour councillor for Easton, Mohammed Elsharif, from Bristol City Council’s public health team, and others, has helped distribute leaflets in multiple languages throughout communities and is passing on advice to young people.
The group is still running its mentoring service and has set up a WhatsApp group to help young people stay in touch. In addition, online games and activities are being organised to help families stay active.
“It’s been very difficult not going out to see the young people but we have to do our part to say home and encourage others to do the same – that’s the way to save lives,” adds Khalil.
“It’s very difficult because so many young people are trapped in flats but there will be better days to come.”
There are usually classes and activities to help young people stay healthy, but these now have to be done online. Photo courtesy of Bristol Horn Youth Concern
Bristol Horn Youth Concern is seeking suggestions and support for games or sports that can be played at home, as well as any companies or sports teams that might be able to offer prizes.
Get in touch with Khalil via email hornyouthconcern@hotmail.co.uk or through the Bristol Horn Youth Concern Facebook page.
Main photo courtesy of Bristol Horn Youth Concern
Read more: Turning the tide on neglect to provide safe spaces for Bristol’s young people
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