YOUNGSTERS in the Vale had a chance to have their say on the public health service as part of an annual takeover day.
The Children’s Commissioner Takeover Day saw Pershore High School students and Evesham’s South Worcestershire College pupils take the opportunity to work with professionals and be involved in a decision-making process.
During the day people learnt about the Wychavon Youth Bus, what health services are available to them, sexual health and how social media is affecting people’s relationships.
Rob Mace, youth bus and outreach officer at Wychavon District Council, said: “We were really pleased to host this event and it went down very well with the young people we invited.
“It has been the most successful time we have run the event.”
This year Wychavon put on a joint event with Healthwatch Worcestershire, the NHS Health Promotion Team and Worcestershire’s Council for Voluntary Youth Services (WCVYS) to expand the range of topics youngsters could get involved
in.
Peter Pinfield, chairman of Healthwatch Worcestershire, added: “The students gave us some great ideas about how we can get young people involved in our work and the best ways for us to be communicating with them.
“They also gave us a good insight into some of the barriers young people save in accessing health services.
“This included difficulties in making appointments with GPs, the lack of walk-in services available and wanting some services
in a less clinical environment.”
Wychavon also added the feedback from those who attended will be used to shape services in the future and develop new ways to engage with young people.
