Heightened anxiety (88%) and depression (79%) were the most common mental health symptoms experienced by disadvantaged children and young people living under lockdown measures in London.

These findings have been released by The Childhood Trust as part of its Champions for Children campaign — aimed at supporting vulnerable children affected by the pandemic living in London.

In partnership with the Big Give, Tall Ships Youth Trust has been selected by The Childhood Trust to take part in this match-funding campaign, which goes live two weeks tomorrow — Tuesday 8th June.

This means any online donation you make via the Big Give website, between 8th and 15th June will be doubled at no extra cost to you.

Our goal is to help 10 disadvantaged young people from London to recover from the impact of Covid-19 by enabling them to set sail on a transformational Tall Ships Youth Trust voyage.

The experience young people gain from a four-night residential voyage with us is life-changing. We provide a physically and mentally challenging environment where they lead activities, support each other, learn new skills and independence.

Ultimately, they will be able to rebuild and restore their confidence and mental wellbeing.

The lockdown has hit many people hard, but our students and their families are some of the hardest hit by the Covid shutdown. Resulting in greater anxiety, less achievement, poor decision-making and reduced life chances.

I have seen the opportunities that a Tall Ships Youth Trust voyage can provide and long may they continue.

Deputy Headteacher from a Pupil Referral Unit in London

To find out more read our latest newsletter to our London-based community.