Young people’s experiences of health and care
We worked with the local community group WATCH to hear from young people through informal interviews. Questions selected by the young people were discussed to inspire conversations about their experiences with NHS and social care services. A dedicated radio show was created, where three young people talked about their experiences and thoughts about their journey through health and social care, raising awareness of health and Healthwatch Coventry for any young people listening.
10 young people shared their perspectives and stories highlighting their worries, and positive and negative experiences.
feels mental health isn’t adequately addressed especially for young people as the process is tedious and difficult
Key asks
- To be treated with respect, according to their age and ability
- GPs and medical practitioners should understand guidance related to consent and understand young people’s concerns about confidentiality.
- GPs and medical practitioners should use appropriate language when speaking with young people - from their practice guidelines for working with children and young people.
- Increase awareness among young people about the NHS, helplines, resources and their rights regarding health and care services, empowering them to advocate for their own well-being.
- Provide more information via schools to promote health and care services to young people and remind them of their rights.
- Explore different methods to inform young people and to involve them in this.
- GPS and medical professionals to provide parents, guardians and carers with information and support to understand the needs of and rights of their child/ young person.
The WATCH Charity was established in April 1998, after the devoted work of a small group of local people. The centre contains excellent facilities for the local community in a modern, purpose-built, community centre located in the heart of Hillfields Coventry. WATCH, and aims to support people facing disadvantage, social exclusion, and deprivation.
Hillz FM is their charity radio station.
Healthwatch Coventry provided small grant funding to enable this work as part of a round of small grant funding advertised to local voluntary and community groups.
This is one of three projects completed. Healthwatch provided support and will use our statutory role to ensure the findings reach those who run and plan our local health and care services.
