Young people voice views on health services

Their opinions, which will include comments on how the services can be made more young person friendly, will be aired at an event in Westfield Folkhouse, Mansfield, tomorrow.

Findings of a survey which canvassed the views of more than 1,000 young people aged 10 – 25 will also be on the agenda.

The Young People’s Health Survey aimed to show what services are important to this age group and what topics are most frequently discussed.

The survey disclosed that young people feel that they receive enough information on a range of topics but are lacking awareness and knowledge on the subject of mental and emotional health and wellbeing. They would also like an information service online where they could get answers to health queries, quickly and easily.

Coun Joyce Bosnjak, chairman of the Nottinghamshire Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “We want Nottinghamshire’s young people to be healthy and safe and to make choices that benefit them and others.

“Young people should have a loud voice in shaping health services and we want to empower them to be confident users and consumers of all aspects of our health services.”

Coun Bosnjak said she was delighted that so many young peoplegave their views on health services provision and the results would help shape health strategy going forward.

She added: “Health services in Nottinghamshire should always be inclusive – young people need to know that they are welcomed, valued and respected whatever their ethnicity, religion, gender or sexuality.”