The views and experiences of children and young people in Pennine Lancashire
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Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen and Healthwatch Lancashire were commissioned by East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to engage with children and young people across Pennine Lancashire to gather their views and experiences on the issues that affect their health and wellbeing. Using community engagement and questionnaires designed by Amplify Champions 837 children and young people aged 8 to 25 engaged in the project.
Self-Harming was the top issue amongst children and young people in Pennine Lancashire, with 40.31% of participants responding. This is closely followed by experiencing a mental health condition, with 40.19% of participants responding.
Those identifying as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning (LGBTQ) found concerns about their sexuality as an issue with 46.9% identifying this as an issue.
20% of participants worried about their health several days in the last two weeks, with 5.5% worrying about their own health every day.
Friends and Socialising (26.8%), closely followed by family (26.6%) were the main things that enabled children and young people to stay happy, healthy and feeling good.
Family problems (9.7%) and bullying (9.7%) were the main things that made it difficult for children and young people to stay happy, healthy and feeling good.
Children and young people said more activities/youth provision (28.5%) and mental health support (20.3%) would allow them to thrive.
Healthwatch recommends both children and young people, and commissioners respond to the findings of this report, and a second phase of engagement takes place to further explore key themes.