The Young Journalist - March/April 2021

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ISSUE 2 THE YOUNG What young people think about the vaccine At the time of writing this, over twelve million having received their first dose, I decided to investigate what young people think about the vaccine. While the majority of us have not been badly ‘infected’ with the virus, young people’s minds have been affected. A survey conducted by the Young Minds charity showed that 41% of young people believe that the coronavirus crisis has made their mental health worse. For them the vaccine provides hope: hope for their lives returning to normal and hope for interaction with their friends and families around a table or at parties and pubs, but ultimately: hope for their mental health improving. I conducted my own poll to find out what 151 people aged between 15 to 22 think. The results showed that 87% of them would accept the vaccine, if offered, and 13% would not. A 19 year-old politics student from Bristol said that she would be ‘a bit hesitant’, as she is allergic to paracetamol and ibuprofen, so would need some reassurance. Scientists have opined that if you have severe allergies you should speak to your doctor before taking the vaccine. An 18 year old A-Level student from Chartridge said she would ‘like a choice’ on which of the vaccines she would accept: the Pfizer/Bio NTech, Oxford/AstraZeneca, the Moderna and the newly-approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine. When I pressed her further on why she wanted a choice in vaccine, she said she wanted to do her own research. She wished to make an informed decision, and which one she thought would be most effective and safe, rather than have it dictated to her; as she feels she can make her own decisions about important parts of her life - as do other young people! Another student from Amersham said he would not accept the vaccine as he does not feel he ‘needs’ it and wouldn’t be severely affected by the virus’, and ‘would rather other, more vulnerable, people, have it.’ The development and roll-out of the vaccines have been implemented rapidly and are in high demand. In time, there will be more research into the long-term effects, especially pregnant woman and fertility. A statement released by Dr Edward Morris, President at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says ‘there is no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 vaccines will affect fertility’. However, there is limited research into this, so when more is known about the vaccine, the scientists can confidently address the queries. Fertility is the biggest concern for young people, as 60% of the people who said they would not accept the vaccine, said it was because of this lack of knowledge about fertility. On the basis of the data and comments I have received it seems that the majority of my peers see the importance of the vaccine in protecting themselves and others; whilst other people remain undecided because of health issues. If you are under 25, will you take the vaccine? Please win a signed let us know copy by of filling out the short online survey. Go to : www.amershamtogether.co.uk/ AC Hatter’s - Callum Fox vaccine and the Mousehole Ghost To Melanie enter go to: Wood www.beaconsfieldtogether.co.uk/competition Closing date: 10th April Please note: The opinions and findings expressed in this article are solely those of the author and should not be assumed to be those of Amersham Together or its affiliates. 6 Beaconsfield Giving Together our is future part of the Community freedom of Together speech
JOURNALIST Changing our ways to change the climate Our home is beautiful. Apart from hosting many natural wonders of the Chess Valley Walk and being within the Chilterns AONB, the wildlife here provides a haven of ancient woods, rolling fields and fascinating flora and fauna. Centuries of momentous history are preserved in Hodgemoor Wood, mentioned in the Domesday Book. Undisturbed wilderness areas such as these serve as habitats for a variety of incredible species including red kites, deer, beech trees and bluebells. However, our local ecosystems, crucial for fresh air and fertility, are facing the consequences of of our negligence. Is it enough just to appreciate nature, or must we act to protect what we love? Last September, my sisters and I took part in World Clean Up day by litter-picking in our area. What we found was deeply disturbing. On three streets and Little Chalfont High Street, we collected more than 400 pieces of litter: 120 cigarette butts and 130 pieces of plastic. Both these substances are highly toxic and nondegradable, meaning they will poison our precious ecosystems for many years. According to statistics published by Gov.UK, the Chiltern District consumes a significantly higher amount of road transport energy than the national average, polluting our picturesque paradise. Donna, resident of Chalfont St. Giles and passionate gardener, echoes our thoughts: ‘There is nothing more amazing than to see deer grazing in the fields…To lose these creatures due to the pollution of their habitats would be devastating.’ To halt this destruction is not as difficult as you might think. By integrating these three simple steps into our lives, we can change our environment for the better: less energy, less waste and less pollution. Just visit www.chiltern.gov.uk/whattorecycle to learn how to dispose waste responsibly. After lockdown, shop sustainably by visiting the weekly Amersham market to buy fresh, locally grown food with less plastic packaging. Make space in your heart and home for our wonderful wildlife: ‘In your own gardens, you can grow nectar-rich flowers and shrubs to attract pollinating insects.’ (Mick, professional landscaper.) The Royal Horticultural Society advises that ‘early Spring is an ideal time to plant Geraniums, Astrantia and Oriental Poppies.’ This Spring, nurture your ‘green thumbs’ as well as encouraging the splendour of biodiversity. You could invest in LED bulbs, which use 80% less energy or even buy a reusable shopping bag to reduce the detrimental impacts of humans on Mother Earth, securing a future for our nature. As members of this community, it is our responsibility to protect our wildlife. The power is ours. And the time is now. My name is Sanchi and the three things I love most are nature, people and writing. Uniting these, I aim to create a brighter, greener world! Sanchi To young advertise journalist@communitytogether.co.uk please call 07786 735 711 or email marketing@beaconsfieldtogether.co.uk 7
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The Young Journalist - March/April 2021

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