Analysis of Youth engagement report

Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees created this 'Analysis of Youth engagement report' after having engaged with several youth groups to gain feedback on their experiences, of local health and social care services in the area during the period of September to December 2016.

Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees held drop-in sessions, stalls and attended events on 10 different occasions across 9 different locations. They spoke to 234 young people face to face, received 129 completed surveys and 133 young people took part in an interactive activity and discussions about health and social care.

Some conclusions drawn from the engagement feedback includes:

- 75% of young people surveyed said they would use pharmacy services if they needed support or advice, if they could not get an appointment with a particular service. A recent Healthwatch consultation with adult patients, showed that they were more reluctant to use pharmacy services if they could not access a GP.

- The results of the survey show that although young people have a good understanding of their need to remain healthy, it is discouraging that they don’t know how to access their local services. For example’ the majority of 16 -18 year olds surveyed highlighted that they had a good understanding of emotional wellbeing and sexual health. However, they were unaware of where to access the condom card outlet and mental health services.

- Healthwatch gathered feedback on ‘how important having knowledge of a range of issues’, was to young people. The results showed that the following topics were rated as ‘Very important’:

 emotions, stress and feelings

 Physical health

 Sexual health

 Diet, weight and healthy eating