Findings from pilot survey on young people’s views on health and care services

Healthwatch Coventry undertook research on young people’s views of health and care services, health priorities, and sources of support and information. The survey was conducted with Year 9 students aged 13-14 at Tile Hill Wood School and Language College, and received 119 responses, representing the majority of the year group. 

The research found that mental health was considered one of the most important issues for health and wellbeing, particularly among girls, alongside physical activity and nutrition. Body image and sexual health were also identified as important topics by many respondents. Most young people said they would seek health advice from family and friends rather than through school, and many were unlikely to use telephone helplines. 

Over half of respondents had visited their GP within the previous six months, while smaller numbers had used walk-in centres, counselling services or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The survey found that young people were generally satisfied with the health services they had used, although waiting times were a recurring concern. Comments highlighted long waits for appointments, referrals and specialist services, particularly for mental health support. 

Healthwatch concluded that further work was needed to better understand young people’s views on mental health, wellbeing and risk-taking behaviours. It recommended follow-up engagement through focus groups and the development of Healthwatch Ambassadors within the school to help gather and share young people’s experiences of local health and social care services.