Youth Forum

We are always looking for current and former patients – and their brothers and sisters – to join the Trust’s Youth Forum.

We want to hear what Sheffield Children’s can do to give the best possible care experience to our patients and their families.

Our Youth Forum meets every month to talk about the issues that matter most to them. Our members have helped to decide on the design of new hospital wards, chosen new entertainment for long-stay patients, created new support resources for siblings and even sat on interview panels for key trust roles.

While helping make a difference, members also get to learn new skills, build their confidence and make new friends.

The young people also get exclusive opportunities to see behind the scenes at a specialist children’s trust and support to meet their own career aspirations.

Freya’s story

“Being a member of the Sheffield Children’s Youth Forum, for the past five years has provided me with countless amazing opportunities and a positive space to share my experiences with other young people.

“During my time, I have been fortunate to be part of interview panels for director-level posts, visited a variety of departments and the new hospital wards, to gain crucial patient feedback. I have also enjoyed completing work with siblings of patients and talking about the importance of transition around the hospital. Whilst these opportunities have been invaluable, I have also gained so much confidence, which has been fantastic for me and my ability to communicate with people outside of the Forum.

“I will always be extremely grateful for all the opportunities the Forum has given me and for all the friends I have made. Everyone on the Forum is so kind and welcoming and I would encourage anyone who is considering joining to go for it and take every opportunity you can!”

Projects and involvement

Our Youth Forum members have been involved in many projects, service improvements and developments since 2017.

Upcoming sessions include; getting to know our Chief Executive, Child Health Technology, work experience and opportunities for young people and the Trust’s health inequalities project.