Ester and Sofie explain what needs to change to improve children and young people’s health

We know that healthcare systems across the UK are facing huge challenges in meeting the needs of children, young people, and families. Too often, children and young people can’t access health services when they need to because of long waiting lists and gaps in services 

The Children and Young People’s Health Equity Collaborative (CHEC) works to understand the challenges facing children’s health at a local level, and what needs to be done to tackle health inequalities for children and young people, no matter what their circumstances are. The Collaborative is a partnership between Barnardo’s, the UCL Institute of Health Equity and three Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) - Birmingham and Solihull, Cheshire and Merseyside, and South Yorkshire.  

Our Health Equity Champions are a group of children and young people, including Ester and Sofie, who’ve been sharing their thoughts and recommendations for change as part of the Collaborative. Together, we’re shaping the way ICSs support good health and address health inequalities among children and young people.  

What does ‘health equity’ mean to you? 

Ester said: “As a South Yorkshire Health Champion, I would define health equity as having equal opportunities, despite an individual’s social and economic background. It means I want young people to have the right access to health services.” 

Sofie said: “To promote health equity, more people need to be educated about health inequalities. If children and young people understand health equity, it can go a long way to help remove lots of discrimination and bullying amongst young people." 

What should decision makers know about young people’s health? 

Ester said: "If I could tell decision makers one thing about young people’s health, it’s to please listen to us as young people. We know what we want out of our care and having a voice to say what the barriers are and how we would get more out of health services will greatly improve our ability to have a better life. 

“The current political systems and policies don’t help young people so there needs to be more opportunities for young people to access health participation youth groups or partnership activities. These are a very engaging way to involve us in creative mental health and physical health advocacy.” 

Sofie said: “The main thing I would probably tell decision makers is to make sure that children and young people and their wellbeing are at the heart of every decision they make. Systems need to stop repeating the same processes that aren’t always right for an individual. 

“It’s also important when a professional is talking to a young person to not undermine them and to treat them like you would anyone else.” 

What changes do you want to see to help improve young people’s health? 

Ester said: “We need more opportunities for young people to express what they need as well as being involved in designing and co-producing the services and support needed. Young people’s health services are still inadequate - it’s about recognising that and being willing to make change as opposed to staying complacent. We must move with young people to create change. 

“I’d like to see people not being judged based on their background too; you don’t know what a child or young person may have gone through or their individual barriers until you ask. Person-centred and trauma-informed support is an issue I'm passionate about and I think that support should be tailored to each young person in a service. Training for staff around these approaches should be available. 

“I’d also like to see more access to green spaces for young people. Green spaces are a great way for young people’s health to be restored and improve their quality of life so these safe spaces for teenagers are important. Otherwise, there aren’t many places we can go.” 

Sofie said: “The changes I would make to improve health for young people are to have more places in the community that are welcoming to young people, and more ways for young people to make genuine connections with other young people socially and not just online. For example, having more opportunities to get involved in projects, creative writing or giving back to your local community.   

“There also needs to be more support for children and young people in South Yorkshire who are still waiting to access mental health, oral health, and ear, nose and throat services.” 

What are some of your favourite memories from the Collaborative so far? 

Ester said: “In January, I attended a CHEC Team Development Day in Sheffield where I met the other Health Equity Champions for the first time. I really appreciated the breakout groups as I got the chance to speak meaningfully to those who had power to change things that affect us young people. I felt heard and listened to, and I felt as if I was valued in the complex conversations I had. 

“In March, I took part in a panel with another Health Equity Champion and key decision makers from Integrated Care Systems at an event in London with the Kings Fund. Before the event, Barnardo’s facilitated a few sessions with the Champions online to help us feel prepared – one of those was a public speaking session where Bronte [CHEC Project Lead] shared some useful tips. 

“During the panel, I felt calmer than I thought I’d be. It really helped knowing the others on the panel and I felt supported to speak out about matters that are important to us. I was worried about answering the questions that came from the audience, but I managed to put myself forward and answer a few of them. It pleased me so much to see the Collaborative in action and to see other Health Equity Champions cheering us on, as well as Rachel, Cat and all of Team Barnardo’s who encouraged me with their whoop whoops!" 

Sofie said: “During the face-to-face Sheffield event in January, I had an amazing day working as a Health Equity Champion and meeting other like-minded people.  

“I felt proud of all the effort that I have put in as a volunteer; it gave a sense of purpose and empowerment to my role.”