Improve mental health services for young people – apply now to join our Youth Board

If you are aged 12 to 21 and live or study in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, apply to be a part of our enthusiastic youth board and help shape the future.

Improve mental health services for young people – apply now to join our Youth Board

Oxford Health is inviting applications from young people aged 12-21 in the area to become involved in our first ever Buckinghamshire Youth Board.

Partnering to deliver the project is Unloc, a non-for-profit organisation created by young people, for young people. Unloc’s wealth of experience of working with young people around the country provides the foundation with key insights into young minds and allows young voices to be truly heard.

Sue Hadwin, Head of Service for CAMHS Community Services in Buckinghamshire, said: “This is a chance for young people to have their say – we need their help to ensure we can provide the best care possible to them and their peers. Oxford Health is ready to listen, to stand with our young people and take action so that the trust and those who look after them can support them in the best way by shaping services to their needs.”

A sister Youth Board in Oxfordshire has already been firmly established, with 19 young people aged 13-18 from a variety of ethnicities, demographics, carer responsibilities and neurodiversity coming together every six weeks since the start of 2022 to share views and provide feedback.

All in this enthusiastic group have strong motivations for wanting to be involved in improving health services for young people and are eagerly waiting to be joined by peers from neighbouring areas.

By becoming a member of the Youth Board, young people have an opportunity to help shape the way in which mental health services evolve and are delivered and provide a forum to share insights, views and be listened to.

Candidates apply directly with our project partners Unloc and will go forward for a selection process involving a range of Oxford Health teams, including our patient experience groups, Oxford Health Charity and colleagues from our mental health services for children and young people.

If you or a young person you know would like to be considered, please apply now.

What is the Youth Board?

  • A way for young people (aged 12-21) in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes to share their thoughts and experiences on key issues with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
  • Share your ideas and help design Mental Health & Wellbeing events that will be shared with local schools, colleges & youth groups over 2022-23
  • Have your say on various topics & work together with your local NHS Trust to make change happen
  • Identify what can be done to better support young people’s health & wellbeing locally

What do I get out of being a member of the Youth Board?

  • Meet other committed young people from across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes
  • Opportunities to influence decision making within Oxford Health & see actions as the outcome of your feedback, ideas and opinions
  • See how Oxford Health operates and learn about potential career pathways in our NHS organisation
  • Show your commitment and skills on your CV or UCAS.

Kerry Rogers, Director of Corporate Affairs & Company Secretary, who has championed the Unloc project work across regions, said: “Oxford Health is delighted with the progress of the Unloc project so far. This is a great opportunity for young people to have their voices heard. The Oxfordshire Youth Board is already making its mark – with members sharing their perspectives on services and projects.”

Unloc’s Managing Director, Hayden Taylor said: “We’re delighted to continue our work with Oxford Health to deliver this project across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. it’s truly an invaluable approach to getting young people involved with the decision making process at ground level,  and helping to shape the very services provided to and for them in the area. All too often organisations provide the services they think or assume young people need, but that’s based on their own experience or perspective of the world. By encouraging and involving young people directly, and hearing their views and real life experiences Oxford Health can provides a unique and bespoke services that leads in the way in healthcare provision, and truly meets the needs of the young people it serves.”

If you have any questions, please contact our Youth Board co-ordinator Kellie at kellie@unloc.org.uk

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Published: 11 April 2022