The Public Health Youth Voice Group is a passionate and dedicated group of young people who are committed to improving the health, wellbeing and resilience of children and young people across South Tees. The group provides a platform for young people to share their views, experiences and ideas, ensuring that the voices of children and young people help shape local services, campaigns and initiatives.
Over the past year, the group has been involved in a range of projects that have promoted positive mental health and wellbeing. Members have contributed to the creation of social media content and wellbeing quotes aimed at encouraging young people to seek support, build resilience and start conversations around mental health. Through these activities, they have helped ensure messaging is authentic, relatable and reflective of the experiences of young people.
Earlier this year, the group worked alongside James to develop ideas and resources for Mental Health Awareness Week in May. Their contributions focused on ways to engage children and young people, raise awareness of mental health and create opportunities for meaningful discussions around wellbeing. The young people brought creativity, enthusiasm and valuable insight, helping to ensure activities were relevant and impactful.
More recently, the group has played an active role in supporting World Mental Health Day and the Be Well Festival. They contributed ideas for promotional activities, key messages and engagement opportunities, ensuring the importance of youth voice remained at the heart of planning. Their involvement helped highlight this year’s theme and reinforced the importance of listening to lived experiences, amplifying real voices and creating meaningful change.
One of the greatest strengths of the group is their willingness to share their own perspectives and experiences to support others. Their ideas, honesty and commitment continue to influence local wellbeing initiatives and demonstrate the value of involving young people in decision-making processes.
“The Public Health South Tees Young Voices Group continues to go from strength to strength. I am incredibly proud of the confidence, enthusiasm and commitment shown by every member. Over the past year they have supported work on substance use, sexual health and mental wellbeing, ensuring young people’s voices are represented in local public health initiatives.
Their ideas and lived experiences are invaluable and we are excited to see what opportunities the next year will bring. If you would like to collaborate with the group, we would love to hear from you.”
Beth Taylor
Health Improvement Specialist and Public Health Young Voices Group Lead
Published: October 15