For many of us, day to day stresses were challenging enough already. As we move through Covid 19, and as we continue to make our way out of lockdowns, we are left facing a new, Mental Health Pandemic.

Did you know that, every week, four in ten adults suffer from common mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression? That’s up from one in ten pre-Covid lockdowns.

Young adults have experienced a number of pandemic-related consequences. These include closures of universities and loss of income, ever-decreasing social circles – and at a time of life when building social networks and experience is crucial – all of which may contribute to poor mental health. During the pandemic, a larger than average – 56% – share of young adults aged between 18 and 24 reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder.

The pandemic has had a devastating impact on many young people, who are deeply anxious, have started self-harming, are having panic attacks, or are losing motivation and hope for the future. We know that some young people will be dealing with multiple pressures, especially those who have been bereaved or experienced other trauma during this time.

67% of young people aged between 13 and 25, believe that the pandemic will have a long-term negative effect on their mental health.

At Out of the Rough, we believe being among each other – whether that’s walking and talking or simply lending a listening ear, is important. Our events bring like-minded people together to network and share ideas, and mostly simply to enjoy a day out in the fresh air.

Our new, 2022 calendar of events is in planning. Watch this space for news of our venues and dates, the celebrity players we’ll have along with us and more.