Who we are
Young Healthwatch is a diverse group of young volunteers aged between 16 and 25 who work together to ensure the views of young people are heard by the NHS and local authority to positively shape health and social care services for us in South Tyneside. Meet members of the team on our film here.
What we do
We put forward issues about healthcare services for young people which need to be looked into.
We also help the NHS and local authority, who provide the services, by carrying out surveys and other engagement activity to find out what young people want and need.
Recent work has included highlighting concerns raised by young people about sexual health, mental health and adult social care services.
Tell us what you think
We want to hear your views!
What do you think about the Young Healthwatch pages on the website?
Is there anything that isn’t on here that you think should be?
Do you have a problem with any health or social care services you need help with?
Is there an issue you think we should be looking at around health or social care services which affects young people?
Tell us here:
Contact Young Healthwatch
How to join us
Want to gain valuable volunteering experience while influencing positive changes to health and social care services for young people in your local area?
Young Healthwatch aims to ensure the views of young people are heard by the NHS and local authority to positively shape health and social care services in South Tyneside.
It is an exciting time to be joining Young Healthwatch with our successful ‘manage your mental health’ social media and live Q&A campaign. We have already started to establish the challenges often faced by young people when accessing mental health services in our local area.
What will I do as Young Healthwatch volunteer?
We meet regularly (once a month) at Hebburn Central, where we design and carry out surveys and promotional activities to learn about the healthcare experiences of young people.
We take both the good and bad on board and relay this feedback to the decision makers who run local health and social care services in the most effective way.
As a Young Healthwatch volunteer you will be at the forefront of change – the eyes and ears – to be able to advise healthcare providers how to engage young people and find out what reform they want to see.
We also examine the voices of specific groups i.e. young carers, special needs and minority groups, to learn about their concern regarding the care provided to them and their family.
What’s in it for me?
It is an excellent opportunity to develop key skills such as communication, team work, public speaking and project management. You will gain invaluable experience of the health and social care and voluntary sectors – ideal experience to enhance your CV and/or university application.
Young Healthwatchers across the country have gone on to various careers in healthcare, such as medicine, social care, nursing, dentistry, care work, research projects, policy work as well as becoming social media campaigners.
But best of all you’ll have new opportunities to meet new like-minded young people and socialise!
How do I find out more?
Email: info@healthwatchsouthtyneside.co.uk
Message us via our Facebook page: facebook.com/HWSouthTyneside
Call: (0191) 489 7952
Download a Young Volunteer Application Form here.
