The consultation process

To provide a service suitable for young people it needs to be designed in partnership with them. The partnership should not be tokenistic: it should be present from the start of the consultation process through to the delivery of the project.

Reassuring young people that their opinions matter is vital if you’re to gain their trust. Give them the opportunity to review your service on points such as:

• Location
• Waiting times
• Staff friendliness

Young people's feedback is vital if you want to make improvements to your service.

You might also consider working alongside local youth club managers and workers: they can help spread information about local health services to young people.

Points to consider

Here are some things to consider when looking at your service through the eyes of a young person. All of the suggestions are designed to be inexpensive ways of making a young person feel more at ease while they’re using your service.

• Are young people made aware of the services available to them on arrival?
• Can posters or information about surgery opening times be put up to offer a more welcoming environment?
• Does the receptionist advise patients of the waiting time when they arrive?
• Is there a quiet space where young people can sit away from other patients for more privacy?
• Are there suitable magazines for a teenage audience?
• Is your practice accessible to young people who may have additional needs? For instance, is there a suitable entrance for young people using wheelchairs?

Why not take these questions to the next team meeting for discussion with your colleagues? Following these simple steps will help you provide a friendlier service and encourage young people to return.

For examples of organisations already involving young people in the consultation process, please visit our Case studies section.