ESNEFT Youth Forums - East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Youth Forum at Colchester and Ipswich hospitals

The Youth Forum is a space for young people aged 13 to 19 who use Colchester and Ipswich hospital services to have their voice heard, and be involved in positive change within the hospital.

We meet face-to-face every 6 to 8 weeks. You can join the sessions virtually on Teams if that is more convenient.

Rachel Senior, Youth Worker
Rachel is the staff representative that will work in partnership with the group, and also co-chair the forum.

Why join?

Meet other young people who would like to improve hospital services
Gain a greater understanding of how the NHS works
Meet professionals working in a variety of roles within the NHS
Gain new skills and opportunities you can add to your CV
Share the voice of young people who use hospital services and discuss your thoughts, views and ideas to support change and improvement
Have opportunities to attend events outside of the Youth Forum
Have opportunities to represent the hospital youth forum by attending external events

What do we do?

Work on projects to improve services
Contribute to staff training
Have opportunities to be part of national events
Have the opportunity to support various departments and areas within the hospital.

What we ask of you

Attend four of the six Youth Forum meetings throughout the year
Let us know if you are unable to attend a meeting or event
Be prepared to share views, ideas and experiences on a variety of health-related issues
On occasion be available outside of scheduled meetings to attend one-off events or be part of short term projects
Show respect and listen to other members of the forum, including staff and visitors
Actively engage with guest speakers and relevant discussion

How to join the ESNEFT Youth Forums

If you have any questions, please phone Rachel Senior on 07827 255 922 or email the team, we will contact you within four working days.

Three photos of members of the Youth Forums