THE Scottish Youth Parliament representative for the North Coast says young people will feel the effects of the pandemic for years to come - and work needs to be done to prevent a ‘lost generation’.

MSYP Erin McCluskey, who represents young people in the Cunninghame North area, regularly works with the council and local youth services to support young people with a range of issues.

The local youngster has worked on a number of projects during her time as MSYP, raising awareness of deafness and sign language, as well as projects combatting drugs and alcohol.

However Erin believes the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic is going to be a huge challenge.

She said: “The impact will be felt for years to come and it is already recognised that initiatives will be needed to prevent a lost generation.

“The interruption to education has been traumatic in terms of mental health, and coupled with the uncertainty over the exams, this has been a really difficult time for all.

“The Scottish government’s guarantee of a training place for all young people will be a huge benefit and give them a chance to learn skills and give them confidence that could help gain employment.”

Erin says mental health for young people has been a major issue during the pandemic.

She said: “Times have been very tough for everyone, including young people in North Ayrshire.

“There was a BBC report that said a third of 18-24-year-olds in the UK have lost their job, which is terrible.

"It adds uncertainty around the future and what it will look like."

However the MSYP says there are a number of initiatives in North Ayrshire to help.

She said: “There was a survey during lockdown and young people in North Ayrshire said their main concern was their own mental wellbeing and the mental wellbeing of others.

“To me, this highlights that young people in North Ayrshire are clearly struggling.

“To support and encourage positive mental wellbeing, an amazing group at North Ayrshire Council has produced a program called DigiDrEAM for families and young people.

“This is something very positive."

Erin is encouraging young people locally to get more involved in the Scottish Youth Parliament, whether coming to her with issues or feedback, or even running for office themselves.

She added: “We regularly canvas for opinions through social media and encourage people to raise issues.

“If you want to really get involved then why not stand for election? These are held every two years with voting by the young people in the candidate’s local area.

“My role as an MSYP means that local young people and their concerns is my priority, I always ensure I am transparent and honest.

“I always have people's back when they come to me and try to feedback to North Ayrshire Council and follow up with the solution.”

You can contact Erin on Twitter at @MSYPCunNor.