Youth Forum celebrates first birthday

Sheffield Children’s held both a birthday party and an election last week, as our Youth Forum marked its first birthday.

Inspiring young people from Sheffield and beyond have been giving their time to the group to help to shape Sheffield’s health services.

The Youth Forum represents the views of young patients and health service users and helps improve services for other young people at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. It celebrated its first birthday on Wednesday 7 June.

Chair election

The election winner was George Marriott, an 18-year-old who has been a patient at Sheffield Children’s Hospital for many years. In addition, George has been a dedicated fundraiser for The Children’s Hospital Charity, raising almost £27,000 to enhance Sheffield Children’s Hospital and helping promote the cause as the face of several charity campaigns.

Speaking on his confirmation as Chair, George said: “I am delighted to be elected as the new Chair of the Youth Forum, following on from a very successful first year. The forum is a group of patients who are able to give their views and opinions on the hospital, which are duly recognised.

“As a patient of nine years, I feel I have plenty to share, and over the next year, I hope to help expand the forum to get many more views on how we can improve the experience for current and new patients.”

The group also elected the Vice-Chairs Sumeya Abdi and Hannah Lilley.

A busy first year

The group has had a busy first year under the stewardship of its first Chair, Eleanor Godhard. Its members have been involved in a variety of activities including:

• carrying out ‘mystery shopping’ visits
• touring areas including pharmacy and research
• sitting on interview panels for senior staff
• carrying out inspections at the hospital and Ryegate Children’s Centre
• judging staff awards
• visiting the new wing before it opens to the public
• quizzing staff on issues that matter to young people, including décor and play
• quizzing the Chief Executive
• helping with the development of the Trust website, leaflets and posters

Chief Executive John Somers said: “The Youth Forum is a fantastic group. I’ve been so impressed with their commitment and the important, constructive feedback they give. Their work genuinely helps us to provide the best possible care to young people.”

The group is open to 12 to 18 year olds and you can find out more about joining on the Youth Forum page.