https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/press-releases/former-gosh-patient-alex-brooker-host-young-peoples-summit/
Former GOSH patient Alex Brooker to host Young People's summit
13 Oct 2017, 3:29 p.m.
Teenage patients of hospitals up and down the country are to be joined by comedian and ‘The Last Leg’ star, Alex Brooker in a first ever national ‘Young People’s Forum’.
The event, which will see 14 Young People’s Forums from across the country come together will be held at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) on Saturday 14 October 2017 (registration starts at 10am). It will give young people the chance to speak up on issues about healthcare that could make a direct difference to their experiences of hospital.
Alex said:
“It’s wonderful to be back at GOSH, and to be invited to take part in the first ever collective Big Youth Forum Meet Up. I know first-hand how important it is to be listened to, I’m glad that this Forum will give the young people a platform to address some of the issues they are facing in hospitals today.”
Around 80 young people will be gathering to share experiences and ideas, having their say on issues that affect them.
Faiza Yasin, Chair of the GOSH Young People’s Forum, said:
“Many of us are living with a long-term condition, and need a lifetime of follow-up care. We are the living examples of the issues being faced in healthcare every single day, and we deserve to be listened to. I want to help shape change, and be the voice for children and young people in healthcare.”
The young people will have the opportunity to have discussions about their rights, about emotions and will cover the practical issues that affect children and young people in hospital.
They will learn skills in advocating for themselves and will learn how to run national awareness campaigns.
Following the launch, it is planned that the National YPF will travel round the UK, hosted at a different hospital every year, with the same central focus of empowering and uplifting the young people in hospitals to voice their opinions on the services they receive.
Juliette Greenwood, Chief Nurse at GOSH, said:
“The views and opinions of children and young people are extremely valued here at GOSH, that’s why we put so much effort into creating the day. We want to hear what our young people have to say about the services that are put in place for them, and the important and invaluable insight on how to improve them.”
For more information please visit the GOSH website and access the Big Youth Forum Meet Up page.
Join the conversation on Twitter at NHS Youth Forums. Use the Twitter handle @NHSCYPMeet and hashtag #NHSCYPMeetUp to make your voice heard.