TEACHERS and staff in the education sector have struggled with the ‘pressure and stress’ of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a report.

A Healthwatch Warrington report mainly focusing on the children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing will be discussed by the health scrutiny committee at its meeting on Thursday.

It states that Healthwatch Warrington acts as the ‘public’s voice’ in delivering health and social care services.

It collects feedback from the public about their experiences of using health and social care services and share that information with service providers and commissioners to look for ways to improve services.

In 2020, Healthwatch undertook research around children and young people’s mental health services in Warrington and met with children and young people to gather their views and experiences.

The report states there is currently a lot of positive work from professionals working with children and young people, and the commissioners of services are providing future services to address most of these needs. It also highlights the impact of the pandemic on those in the education sector.

It says: “Covid-19 lockdown has affected most of our population, adults as well as children and young people.

“We appreciate that this has been a worldwide pandemic; findings will mirror other areas nationally.

“We are, however, reporting on Warrington’s children and young people’s, professionals’ and parents’ experiences.

“We aim to inform and assist with solutions moving forward in partnership with commissioners and providers.

“The data has highlighted how, particularly the education sector (teachers/staff) have struggled with the pressure and stress of the pandemic, balancing the needs of their students whilst balancing their own mental wellbeing.

"The pandemic has highlighted how important local groups are for people’s wellbeing and mental health."