At Healthwatch, we know the Bradford region has a very bright future.
Sitting at the heart of the district, the city is the UK’s youngest and one of its most diverse, packed with brilliant young people full of ideas and energy and out to change the world for the better. Generally, from Wyke to Wharfedale, our people know how to get things done.
The Healthwatch Bradford and District team is small but passionate. We can’t fix the climate or the many other major challenges facing the modern world, but we can work with you to build a platform to shape local health and care services for the sake of your future.
We’re looking for people aged 16-24...
...from all backgrounds to work with us to develop Young Healthwatch Bradford and District. Health and care issues affect every single one of us, whether it’s our mental health during the pandemic, or we provide care for a loved one who needs it, or we need to find a dentist… or one of a million other reasons. We’re all unique and we all have our own story, our own voice – and it’s vital that those responsible for health and care services routinely hear from as many of those voices as possible about what matters to them.
Maybe you’ve signed petitions...
...campaigned for change on various platforms, trying to make the world a better place. Maybe you’re a passionate voice for your community, or you feel like those with power aren’t listening to you. Maybe you’re working on your education, developing the skills and knowledge you’ll need to make your way through an ever more complicated world.
You might be a social media expert, or you’ve been making your own video content about the things that matter to you since you learned to talk. Maybe you’re simply great with people and know how to connect with all corners of your community. You could be a future journalist, filmmaker or charity leader, or maybe you’re planning a career in health or social care.
At Healthwatch, our task is simple...
...we give people the opportunity to share their experiences of using health and social care services, and make sure that this valuable feedback leads to positive change. We also help people get the information and advice they need. Our Young Healthwatch network will have its finger on the pulse (pun semi-intended…) to make sure the issues that matter are at the top of the pile of priorities for those whose job it is to plan and deliver health and social care services in Bradford district.
You could be lifting the lid on the effect of lockdown on young people’s mental health – and working directly with those with the power to make changes. You could be working with other young people to understand why some are worried about getting the COVID vaccine, and what could be done to help them make the most informed choice. Maybe you’ll harness the latest digital developments, and your own knowledge, to find new ways to keep local communities informed.
You’ll be setting the agenda...
...and figuring out the best way to make young people’s voices heard – whether it be designing surveys, social media content or producing films and reports to shine a light on their needs and experiences. Get out and about, investigating local health services – GPs, hospitals and others – and tell them what works well (and not so well) for you.
The best part...
...is that Healthwatch have the power to make sure NHS leaders and other decision-makers listen to your feedback and improve standards of care, so you’ll be making a real difference. Your voice WILL be heard.
We can help you develop valuable skills...
....that will stand out on your CV or application for a place in education.
Whether it’s research, interviewing others on a one-to-one basis or in focus groups, developing and running social media platforms, writing reports, engaging members of the public at events or public speaking (maybe you’ll be spreading the word by giving a Healthwatch talk at your school, college or university?)… we can harness your talents and give you a platform.
We can also give you knowledge and experience of how things work in the health and social care sector and at various levels of local government.
Downloads
Young Healthwatch Bradford and District is a new and hugely important project for us, but it belongs to young people. So we don’t have a set idea of how we’re going to do it. You tell us. Who are you, where are you, how are you? What do you want to do? How do you want to do it? What are your skills? What skills do you want to develop?
Email volunteer@healthwatchbradford.co.uk or fill in the quick form linked below and tell us what’s what. We’ll start putting together a team and a network. Put as much or as little time or energy into it as you want. Even if you’d just be happy sharing a survey with a few friends, the smallest steps can make a big difference.
We’ll help you connect to other young people in Bradford and together we’ll navigate the system and make some real lasting changes.
