Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We're not exaggerating when we say that the future of the Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter is under threat.
Please consider supporting the Reporter in whatever way you can – by paying just 85p for a copy of the paper, when you're shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others, or by subscribing to our e-edition here.
Thanks – and stay safe.
...............................

Almost all of Scotland’s youth (96 per cent) are concerned about the impact Covid-19 will have on their futures, according to a new study.

In research commissioned by the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP), mental health was also a major worry during the lockdown, with 77 per cent saying they were concerned on the impact it was having, while 40 per cent were unsure where they could get help.

Jack Dudgeon, chairman of the SYP, said: “Young people need reassurance that their life opportunities are not at risk.

READ MORE: Coronavirus LIVE - get the latest here

“Before the pandemic, we already knew that young people were battling a mental health epidemic, with rates of depression and anxiety skyrocketing.

“The findings from ‘LockdownLowdown’ reveal that 40 per cent are moderately to extremely concerned about their own mental wellbeing. With their democratic mandate, members of the SYP will work with decision-makers for the benefit of young people’s futures in the context of Covid-19.”

The survey of 2,400 young people also showed that 49 per cent are concerned about exams and coursework, and 61 per cent did not know where to access information on financial support.

Tim Frew, chief executive of YouthLink Scotland, said: “The findings echo much of what we hear from youth workers across Scotland.

“Many young people are anxious about what life will be like post-lockdown.

“It is not just the actions as a society we take now that will be crucial, young people deserve a commitment to the continuity of the services that support them post-Covid-19.”