Getting It Right for Young People in Health 17 May 2012 | Birmingham ‘What Matters? Health Matters!

when you were aged Think back… to 16 The writing is on the wall

Stand Up – Sit Down !

It’s All About You! You

Where to go for help Right to privacy and confidentiality Professionals doing their job properly Support workers who also care about my health A named GP – in name only “Professional” assumptions about my health needs Intimidating experience Ask me about my health needs I was not eating Health Matters! The Challenges Young People Face

Health Matters! Being homeless and in poor health Peer pressure Out of sight I want to be in control of me! Sex Education

Wellbeing What helped young people? Caring nurses helped my fear Speaking to me on my level Keep me safe in supported accommodation Back to basics No appointment needed Understanding homelessness Dr Who? Peer support helped me

How you as professionals can make a difference to young peoples’ experience The small things really do make a difference

Health I would like doctors to treat me like an adult and speak to me on my own and give me privacy and confidentiality so that I can talk to them in confidence Listen and try to understand that young people care about their health too Health services need to be more flexible and young person friendly Listen and care about me. I need warmth not medication Alternative therapies and behavioural therapies helped me understand myself and look after myself better Health Youth Mentors would be really good Give me information so I can manage my own health My CPN listened –she ‘made’ time for me

The NYRG Super Top Tips The essential guide to health services for young people Have more health services for young people that are local Explain things to me in a way that I understand. Tell me my options so that I can make choices about my health Be friendly and caring Get to know me as a patient and don’t talk down to me Listen to me, don’t rush me

Making It Matter – Improving the health of young homeless Key problems young faced; Mental Health - depression, self harm Healthy Diet - lack of money, poor diet Substance Misuse - drugs, alcohol Accessing main stream health providers Building relationships Sexual health awareness

More tailor made services for young people Drop-ins Training & support for service providers Knowledge & awareness of youth homelessness Introduction of National Health Watch Forums Structured guidance Health and wellbeing checks Access to mental health / substance misuse / multiple needs services Interventions & Recommendations

Q&A

One thing I am going to take away and do as a result of today is… ______________________________ It’s the little things that make a difference Getting it Right for Young People