Speak Up: Element Society
Download (PDF 359.28 KB)Summary of report content
Through their Speak Up small grants programme, Healthwatch Sheffield worked with Element Society to explore the views and experiences of teenagers who were beginning to access health services more independently.
The grants programme offers funding and partnership work for local voluntary, community, and not-for-profit organisations. The purpose is to reach out to more people across the city, and hear what matters to them in relation to health and social care.
Element Society is a youth-led charity based in Sheffield that empowers young people to create positive change in their lives and communities
Key findings:
- Young people can find healthcare environments intimidating and unclear. Friendly communication, staff introducing themselves, and straightforward explanations of processes and choices can help.
- Young people felt mental health support in schools was declining, and long waits for other services led to inconsistent support.
- Neurodivergent young people often felt dismissed or misunderstood by support services.
- Stigma can keep young people from asking questions or seeking sexual health support and information.
The report also contains young people's tips and suggestions for making services more youth-friendly, supporting them to navigate services for the first time.