Youth Forum launched in partnership with Young Devon

Published: 4 April 2024

We are excited to be piloting a Youth Forum in partnership with Young Devon for young people who use our services at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.

We want to hear what we can do to give the best possible care experience to our young people.

The pilot will run for 12 months and the Youth Forum will meet eight times during the year.

Emma Perryman, clinical lead for the Youth Forum and a paediatric sister on Louisa Cary Ward at Torbay Hospital said: “This is a really exciting development for us and for local young people.

“We want to make sure we are listening to children and young people and that their voices are heard when making decisions about improving the future services we provide. We want children and young people to be at the centre of any designs in building a brighter future. We want to know what matters to them.”

Bekki Redshaw Participation Team Leader at Young Devon says “As well as working with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust to ensure health services are the best they can be, members of the Youth Forum will have the opportunity to learn new skills, build their confidence and make new friends with people who are equally passionate about making positive change.”

Emma added: “We know young people have busy lives already, so don’t worry, there are only eight sessions over the year of the pilot. We’re encouraging young people to come along to our ‘find out more’ session on 20 April to see if it’s something they might want to be part of.

“Regardless of background, we are welcoming any young person between 13-20 years old who has used our NHS services in Torbay and South Devon, who wants to help us make changes.”

To express an interest in joining, see our Youth Forum page.