Happy 7th birthday to our Youth Forum!

The Youth Forum are a team of young people who have all been, or still are, patients here are Sheffield Children’s. They volunteer their time to support with many high-profile projects across the Trust, providing insight and ideas from an important perspective. They’re vital to the work we do across Sheffield Children’s. Over the past year, they have played a key role in the development of our Estates and Digital Strategies, supported staff members on recruitment panels, and were even part of the judging panels for our upcoming Star Awards!

Some of the members were also involved in the recent gardening project in the Joy Garden, making the space an even happier and healthier space for families to sit in over the summer months. The members talked about this project in more detail in an appearance on BBC Radio Sheffield a few weeks ago which you can listen back to on BBC Sounds.

Alongside Youth Forum members themselves, members of the Executive Committee and past visitors and professionals nominated by our Youth Forum members, all came together to celebrate the achievements of the team over the past year. The birthday party included a buffet thanks to the amazing catering team at the hospital and donations from partners of The Children’s Hospital Charity, badge making provided by The Charity’s arts programme, a personal DJ who helped members learn a few new tricks, Nelly the therapy dog, lots of different games, a VR headset currently being trialled, bug hotel making and even The Children’s Hospital Charity’s esteemed mascot, Theo the bear who enjoyed throwing some shapes on the dance floor.

Ruth Brown, our Chief Executive, said: “We are extremely proud of all of the amazing work that our Youth Forum do all-year-round across the Trust, and we’re very happy to have had a special occasion to celebrate this fabulous group of young people.” Ruth also gave each Youth Forum member a handwritten thank you card and presented them with their new badges to be worn when they visit different sites.

Nat Parkin, who helps run with Youth Forum, also said: “These birthday celebrations were a fantastic opportunity for the Youth Forum members to feel celebrated. The work that they do is incredible and so important, and it was really special to be able to relax and enjoy some fun together in the sunshine!”

Sheffield Children’s wouldn’t be the same without our Youth Forum and we are incredibly grateful for all the support, time and energy they give. Thank you so much, we’re excited for another great year.