Young Healthwatch
Giving young people a voice in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea
Young Healthwatch is a dedicated team of volunteers and core Healthwatch Central West London staff, committed to listening to young people about what they think of local health and care services and finding out if they meet their needs.
We want all young people living, working, or studying in the area to feel supported by local services so that they can always find the support they need.
We do this by:
- Raising awareness of the different issues that affect young people
- Reaching out to young people in our area, gathering their views on issues that matter to them
- Providing information and resources about local and national support services
- Collaborating with local leaders to improve our local health and social care services
- Developing our team of volunteers, offering training and support to develop their skills as we build our understanding of local issues
“Make sure you have things to look forward to in your day. For me, it is cooking and watching TV. For some of the other volunteers it's listening to music really loudly and dancing, or maybe it is doing extra-curricular things like this. Find what works for you.”
– Thoughts from our volunteers
Meet Alex
Hi, I'm Alex, and I coordinate Young Healthwatch. My role is about ensuring young people's voices are heard in conversations around mental health services, and I want to make sure young people have access to the support they need.
Our team
We are a group of volunteers who live, work, or study in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea, and surrounding boroughs. We're all passionate about improving mental health support for young people, and making sure local services work for everyone.
News, ideas, events, creative writing, and more...
Improving dental and oral health in care homes: new research project
How we´re working with care homes in Westminster and RBCK to hear from residents about their access to dental care…
Read MoreVaccination: now offered to 12-15 year olds in schools
Information will be provided to parents and students via the schools to enable them to make an informed decision about taking up the vaccine…
Read MoreWellbeing Support
Urgent support
A good place to start is with your GP for help with your mental health. If you need immediate help, we've put together a list of some urgent helplines.
Mental wellbeing tips
We've put together a list of resources and useful websites to help you look after your mental wellbeing.
In our 2020 survey, over 80% of respondents identified body image as a key cause of stress for young people.
– Young Healthwatch, Bridging The Gap Survey 2020
Get Involved
Become a volunteer
Spread the word
You can share your experiences and follow what we're up to over on our Instagram page.
Go to Instagram
Follow us on Instagram
Still unsure about the COVID-19 vaccine? You’re not alone. There are a number of young people who just aren’t quite sure why they need to get jabbed.
Join @CityWestminster @RBKC @ProfKevinFenton @PHE_uk Thursday 5 August from 6.30pm.
Calling all 14-18 yrs looking for something AMAZING to start over the summer through to November.
@AvenuesYouth79 has an incredible new recording studio that young people can use.
Get in touch and sign up at hello@avenues.org.uk #youngpeople
“I urge everyone to take a bit of time out of their day to go to a green space where they can truly embrace nature.”
#mentalhealthawarenessweek might be over, but it’s still important to take time to prioritise our mental well-being.
Visit the link in our bio to read our latest #mentalhealth blog by our volunteer Civan!
“My nature wasn’t green fields or forests, but quiet roads, billowing trees and people watching.”
In our latest Mental Health Awareness Week blog, our volunteer Aaniya writes about walking, reflecting, and finding nature in the city.
Visit the link in bio to read!
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. This year, the theme is nature.
We’ve been reflecting on the topic of mental health and nature. In our latest blog, our volunteer Ava shares a poem she has written.
Visit the link in our bio to read it!
#mentalhealthawarenessweek
Are you interested in shaping the health and wellbeing priorities for Children and Young People?
Connecting Care for Children, North West London CCG and the National Institute for Health Research are inviting local children, young people and their families to talk about what matters to them.
Visit our website for more information