A GROUP of young people took control of Healthwatch Worcestershire, the body which represents patients, as part of the national Takeover Challenge scheme.
The 16 to 19-year-olds from South Worcestershire College and Kidderminster College spent the day on Friday (November 20) finding out more about health and social care services in the county.
They took part in group discussions and presented their ideas to health bosses from South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and the children’s services department at Worcestershire County Council.
The teenagers put forward a number of suggestions for service priorities, including better promotion of key health messages through schools, tackling alcohol problems, helping people to talk about mental health problems such as anxiety and better communication with young people.
Peter Pinfield, chairman of Healthwatch Worcestershire, said: “It was great to hear the views of the young people and see them challenging the professionals with their questions.
"It is so important that they have a voice in shaping the future of services in Worcestershire.”
For more details visit healthwatchworcestershire.co.uk
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