The Covid-19 pandemic and repeated lockdowns are taking a toll on many people’s mental health, and this is particularly the case for many young people.

Research by the Prince’s Trust shows that those not in employment, training or education are being hit hardest, with many seeing their opportunities on hold or taken away altogether.

I was campaigning for an increase in resources to support young people and their mental health before the pandemic, and those resources are even more needed now.

Unfortunately, the Government has not yet recognised the depth of the problem, and nor has the Conservative-led administration running Oxfordshire County Council.

Just a year ago, Lib Dem county councillors, working with their Labour colleagues, got agreement for a proper review of youth support across the county.

Sadly, the Conservatives have gone back on that agreement and are not undertaking a full review.

They simply do not appear to grasp the importance of a properly supported youth service.

In contrast, local Lib Dem councillors are providing support for local young people.

Lib Dem-led Abingdon Town Council has given extra resources to the Abingdon Bridge (TAB) and the DAMASCUS youth project, to help them continue to provide services during the pandemic.

I’m also grateful to the local parish councils that provide support to DAMASCUS too.

Both groups report that demand for their support has risen rapidly during the last 12 months.

They both do fantastic work to support vulnerable young people.

The response to TAB’s recent appeal for funds to kit out their new premises in the town centre has been tremendous, and I’d like to add my thanks to everyone who has contributed.

I’d also like to thank the local Lib Dem county councillors, who have given substantial support to TAB through their Councillor Priority Fund budgets.

Between them, they have enabled many more young people to receive support and counselling than would otherwise have been the case.

The mental health and well-being of our young people should be of concern to all of us.

I will continue to argue for more resources from the Government, but in the absence of support at a national level, I am delighted to see community groups and local councillors doing what they can to make up for it.