Applications for the NHS Youth Forum and Youth Advisory Network are now closed for 2024. If you are excited to make change and keen to get involved, find out more about the groups below and come back to this page in the new year when applications will re-open for the 2025 cohort.
Your opportunity as a young person to have a say about the health services available to you.
At Barnardo's, we know that there is no one better to ask about young people’s health services than young people themselves. You have the right to have a say on the decisions about the services you access. That’s why we are working with NHS England to deliver the NHS Youth Forum and Youth Advisory Network. Your experience can help shape the future of NHS England and make it a more inclusive and accessible space for all.
What is the NHS Youth Forum?
The NHS Youth Forum is made up of 25 amazing young people from all over the country, just like you.
It offers a space to share feedback, thoughts and ideas on the changes you want to see within NHS England and the wider health services. As part of the NHS Youth Forum, you could work on different projects closely with NHS staff and decision makers, sharing your views at regular discussions and raising the health issues that matter most to you.
The group also gives you the chance to work with others in a team, stand up for things that are important to you, speak publicly, and build confidence in yourself.
The role is a twelve-month voluntary opportunity which is run online, although there are some in-person residential trips to get involved with too. We know young people have busy lives already, so don’t worry, you only have to commit to a minimum of four hours of work a month.
Regardless of background and lived experience, this role is for any young person between 16-24 years old, who wants to make change.
The NHS Youth Forum offers young people like you a voice about the health services you need.
What is the NHS Youth Advisory Network?
Alongside the Forum we also have the NHS Youth Advisory Network which is made up of 100 young people across England.
This group gives young people the chance to have their voices heard and input on key health issues, with a smaller time commitment than the Youth Forum. This voluntary role is flexible and you only have to commit to one hour of work a month.
Choosing this opportunity might be more suited if you have other commitments, or if you want to see if getting involved is for you. You can always apply for the Youth Forum next year if it is.
[The best part of getting involved] was the skill set that I learnt! For me it was a lot of self-belief and self-confidence. The NHS Youth Forum pushed me in so many ways that I didn’t know I was capable of.
Nahida
Former NHS Youth Forum member
Our NHS Youth Forum and Youth Advisory members 2024-2025
Beth (she/her), 20 from Birmingham
“I am a returnee member of the forum so was part of the mental health subgroup last year. I loved the experience and to have the opportunity to champion for young people being involved in all decisions that affect their lives.
I believe we need to help bridge the gap between the key decision makers and community members to help transform the NHS. I am excited to be part of the transitional care group as there is currently very little support and resources out there. It is definitely an area that desperately needs changing.
A fun fact about me is I love trail running!”.
Esme Rae, 20 from Derbyshire
“I joined the NHS Youth Forum because I was spurred on by my own health struggles to provide a voice and advocate for other young people in health services, to work with other people who are passionate about healthcare, and I want to make a difference!”
Karam (he/him), 19 from Nottingham
“I have volunteered with various organisations and wanted to get involved in this project to try and help improve the NHS and its services by using personal experiences and giving a voice for those who often aren’t heard.
In my spare time I really enjoy sports such as football and snooker.
I am very keen and excited to contribute to the improvement of the NHS.”
Katie, 22 from Hertfordshire
“I wanted to join the NHS Youth Forum as I am passionate about youth voice, and making sure that young people are at the centre of their healthcare. I’m particularly interested in healthcare transition, and improving these transitions for young people – so I’m super excited to be working on it this year.
In my spare time, I run a charity for hospitalised children and enjoy reading and spending time with my dogs!”
Lila, 17 from Manchester
“I've always been quite interested in youth voice and ensuring healthcare service are as accessible as possible. Outside of A-Levels and the youth forum, I love to sing in the Hallé Youth Choir and dance. I also volunteer at my local hospital and bookshop because I love sharing reading about science and research with my community.”
Maya (she/her), 19 from Birmingham
“I go to University of Birmingham where I study Children’s and Mental Health Nursing but I’m originally from Buckinghamshire.
I chose to join the youth forum after spending a long time in different hospitals for my mental health, I experienced amazing care and some not as good, I joined the forum to hope to make a difference and use my experiences to improve healthcare across the NHS.
I enjoy sports, particularly sailing where I have competed for Great Britain and now for my university. I also enjoy volunteering at my local Brownie pack and taking my therapy dog to see different patients in hospitals and care homes.”
Princess Aina, 17, North West Region
“I am a zealous advocate for health equity striving for young, underrepresented voices from minority groups to be heard and for deeper conversations on how to tackle disparities in mental and physical health for these groups!
I can play 3 instruments!!! Piano, violin and clarinet but, surprisingly I listen to a lot of rap.”
Raaghav, 17 from London
“I joined the Youth Forum because I’m very passionate about equality in healthcare, and I am keen to improve our current system by giving young people a voice in the future of the NHS. For me, the possibility of making tangible change was a very exciting idea, which is why I’m so honored to be a part of the NHS Youth Forum.
In my spare time, I like reading, playing my violin, and baking (with limited success)!”
Rahma, 17 from Manchester
“I can proudly say that I am Youth Forum member. I joined the NHS Youth Forum because I wanted to make a change to young people's life by being their voice in the NHS and trying to help them be heard - as I think it is important to help and support each other.
Also, I wanted to develop my team working, leadership and communication skills by being part of the Youth Forum team and by sharing my experiences, and hearing and learning from other's experiences.
My favourite things to do in my free time are dancing and netball. A fun fact about me is that I love baking, but I would burn the whole house if I baked!”
Raveena, 19 from Southeast England
“I joined the Youth Forum because I am immensely grateful for the care the NHS provides, and I see it as an opportunity for me to give back in some way!
I am also keen to share my views and perspectives on healthcare issues that are important to me. I believe that as young members of the public, we can bring fresh ideas and play a valuable role in the continual development of the NHS.
A longstanding hobby of mine is photo/video editing, and a fun fact about myself is that I have memorised the first 100 digits of pi (π)!”
Sharvari, 21 years old, London
“I wanted to use my lived experience to create change in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). I also use the research skills from my psychology degree to conduct meaningful research that creates real-world impact!
I love to do Salsa in my free time!”
We’ve had so many wonderful applications this year – thank you for getting involved!
Applications for the NHS Youth Forum and Youth Advisory Network are now closed for 2024.
If you are excited to make change and keen to get involved, come back to this page in the new year when applications will re-open for the 2025 cohort.
It’s always great to hear from organisations and professionals in the health sector who are keen to engage young people in their work.
If you would like to arrange a consultation with the Youth Advisory Network, please contact us at [email protected] for more information. We’d love to hear from you.
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