Survey offers insight into challenges for young people
Mental health, exam stress, school work, bullying, body image and feeling safe in the community, are the main concerns facing young people in Northamptonshire.
An NHFT Governor priority is to engage with children and young people to understand more about their needs and challenges. A survey was launched, co-produced with the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), to hear from people under the age of 25 living in Northamptonshire.
Using the findings of the survey, new courses, online information, and opportunities are being created aimed at addressing some of the challenges and concerns raised.
When young people, taking part in the survey, were asked about their personal concerns, they identified key areas:
- Mental Health: 48%
- Exam Stress: 48%
- School Work: 47%
- Bullying: 45%
- Body Image: 41%
- Feeling Safe in the community: 42%
Other worries included friendships (29%), financial issues (33%), and peer pressure (25%). Interestingly, the concerns they attributed to their peers closely mirrored these themes, with mental health (56%), body image (51%), and academic stress (54%) emerging as top issues.
The survey results help the Trust understand more about how it can work with young people in a positive way to develop supportive resources.
For example, to support some of the findings of the survey, a new co-produced course about 'Body image' has been introduced through NHFT's iDiscover service, as well as a course about 'Online Safety' which has been co-produced with the YAB, and NHFT's school nursing team and Digital Technology Services (DTS). A co-produced fact-sheet, containing useful support information for young people, is also being shared in schools to make it easier for pupils to get help.
Georgie Lomas, NHFT's Children and Young People's Participation and Coproduction Lead, said: "This survey offers valuable insights into the challenges and priorities of young people in Northamptonshire. By addressing these concerns and creating opportunities for meaningful participation, NHFT can help empower young people to shape the services that affect their lives. Whether through better outreach, practical support, or simply taking the time to listen, NHFT is making use of this opportunity to make a positive impact on young people's lives. Together, we can work towards a Northamptonshire where every young person feels supported, heard, and valued."
Formed in July 2022 by NHFT's Participation and Co-production Team, the YAB brings 13 to 25-year-olds together to support professionals with the development of the Trust's services for children and young people in Northamptonshire. This can range from providing valuable input into developing information and resources for service users, young people and their supporters to sitting on interview panels for the recruitment of new NHFT staff.
To find out more and get involved with NHFT visit www.nhft.nhs.uk/participation
People can also take part in free iDiscover courses, workshops and resources to help you to grow at www.nhft.nhs.uk/idiscover or for local and national resources and support visit www.nhft.nhs.uk/childrenshub.