ARU Accessible Summary

Mental health and wellbeing 25% of care leavers said their mental health and wellbeingwas not very good before Covid-19, but during the pandemic this rose to 57% . For many, Covid-19 made existing mental health problems worse. Mentalhealthsupportwas receivedby45%ofcare leavers , including from family and friends, mental health professionals, and personal advisors/social workers (however it is important to note that not all care leavers in this study required mental health and wellbeing support): “My PAhas been very supportivewith helping me speak to someone regarding lockdown and my mental health and I couldn’t thank him enough for him going above and beyond to make sure that I am happy :)” (Q: Male, 19) However, some care leavers felt that the support they were offered – often medication – was not what they needed: “Themost amount of support theycouldgive me in terms of my mental health when I was struggling so much with my children was to speak to the doctors and get medication. That wasn’t the support I was looking for. I was looking to talk to and explain the problem that I’m having with my children.” (FG: Female, 24) 55% of care leavers did not receive any support with their mental health and wellbeing . Some felt they did not need support, but others did and did not know how to access it: “I did not reach out because I did not know who to reach out to so it would have been helpful to know.” (Q: Female, 23) Many care leavers did things themselves to help their mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic, such as talking, walking, baking, colouring, online/video games, listening to or playing music, working or studying, keeping busy and active, keeping a routine, spending time with friends and family, and looking after children: “I kept myself busy with work. But I also did jigsaws, went onwalks and stuff, just keeping yourself busy and active, and keep myself in a routine instead of slobbing around…” (FG: Female, ND)